Coach Bakken is a 1985 graduate of Drake High School, ND. Following his selection to the 12th Annual ND Shrine Bowl, he continued his education at Dickinson State University, playing linebacker for the Blue Hawks led by Coach Hank Biesiot. Bakken started his high school coaching career in Fargo, ND in 1994, and served as Head Football Coach at Oak Grove Lutheran High School through the 2015 season. Bakken also served as Co-Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator of the NSFL Fargo Invaders (Semi Pro) in 2016 which culminated in an NSFL League Championship and Bakken being named NSFL Coach of the Year. In 2017, Bakken also served as General Manager/Defensive Coordinator of the Invaders as they transitioned into the NEFL, before being eliminated in the playoffs after capturing a share of the Western Division Regular Season Championship. Coach Bakken is married to Janet and they have 4 children, Keegan, Kiana, Kyla, and Kaleb.
Thom on Bakken: “I could not be more pleased to have the opportunity for Coach Bakken to coach our defensive line. Since joining the program he has given this program a jolt of energy that will be key for our defensive line. Furthermore, his strong ties to the surrounding local communities has already paid huge dividends. Coach Bakken will do a fantastic job leading a unit that will need to come up big for us this season!”
