Head Coach E.J. Peterson
E.J. Peterson, a proud alumnus of Grand View University and member of the Class of 2011, steps into the role of Head Coach after six seasons as the Vikings' Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach. As a player, Peterson earned All-American honors, was named the 2010 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and left a lasting legacy as a cornerstone of the team’s success. His contributions to Grand View football were immortalized in 2021 with his induction into the Grand View Hall of Fame.
After a standout collegiate and professional playing career with the Iowa Barnstormers, Peterson transitioned into coaching, where he has spent the past 12 years building an impressive resume. His tenure as Defensive Coordinator for Grand View from 2018 to 2024 cemented his reputation as one of the top defensive minds in NAIA football. Under his leadership, the Viking's defense achieved historic dominance, consistently ranking at the top of national statistical categories. In 2024 alone, the Vikings led the nation in total yards allowed (219.9 per game), passing yards (146.9), rushing yards (73.0), and points per game (8.4). The defense recorded 18 shutouts over six seasons, including four in the 2024 campaign, and surrendered just five touchdowns across four postseason games during their National Championship run.
Peterson’s impact extended beyond team success, as he developed numerous standout players. During his tenure, the Vikings produced 10 Defensive All-Americans, five Heart of America Defensive Players of the Year, and the program’s first-ever Cliff Harris Award winner, Tristin Waugh. Two of his defensive stars also advanced to the NFL, further showcasing his ability to prepare athletes for success at the highest levels.
Before returning to Grand View, Peterson honed his skills at McPherson College, where he served as Defensive Coordinator (2014–2018) and Linebackers Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator (2012–2014). This experience laid the foundation for his meteoric rise in the coaching world, leading to his pivotal role in Grand View's unparalleled run of success, including six consecutive Heart of America Athletic Conference championships and two appearances in the National Championship game.
A native of Monroe, Iowa, Peterson holds an associate degree from Iowa Central Community College (2009) and a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Grand View University (2011). He and his wife, Abby, reside in the Midwest with their two children, Luke and Jess.
As Peterson begins his tenure as Head Coach, he brings with him a legacy of excellence, a proven ability to develop championship-caliber teams, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete success. With the Vikings fresh off a 14-0 season and their second National Championship, the program is poised to reach even greater heights under his leadership.
THE E.J. PETERSON FILE
Birthdate: April 22, 1989
Hometown: Monroe, Iowa
Family: Wife Abby, two children Luke & Jess.
Education
Associate degree, Iowa Central Community College, 2009
Bachelor's degree, Kinesiology, Grand View University, 2011
Coaching Career
Head Coach, Grand View University, 2024-current
Defensive Coordinator, Grand View University, 2018-2024
Defensive Coordinator, McPherson College, 2014-2018
Linebackers Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, McPherson College, 2012-2014
Coaching Accomplishments
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024 Heart of America Athletic Conference champions (GVU D. Co.)… 2020 & 2024 Heart of America Assistant Coach of the Year… 2024 National Champions (GVU D. Co./Top Defense in the Country), Undefeated through six seasons in the Heart of America, One National Defensive Player of the Year.
THE FACTS ON PETERSON
12 years of college coaching experience
10 years as a Defensive Coordinator
2 National Championship game appearances
1 National Title
Top Statistical Defense in the Country
1 Cliff Harris Award Winner
5 Heart of America Defensive Players of the Year
Coached the Defensive Player of the Game in the 2024 National Championship
4 Shutouts in the 2024 Season
18 Shutouts in 6 Seasons as the DC
10 Defensive All-Americans
2 Athletes from his D. Coordinator tenure Played in the NFL
Midwestern-born and bred
PETERSON'S PLAYING CAREER
2x First Team All-Conference
2010 Conference Defensive Player of the Year
2010 All-American
Played Professionally for the Iowa Barnstormers
2021 Grand View Hall of Fame Inducted