I became a coach to help our student-athletes have as good of an experience playing this game in college as I did. Helping them learn from both success and failure, foster lasting relationships, and understand the importance of being part of something larger than themselves.
Dan Bauder is entering his eighth season with the UW-Platteville Pioneers as defensive coordinator. Dan joined the Pioneer staff after serving in the same capacity at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois for three seasons.
The Pioneers defense has been one of the best in the WIAC over the past two seasons, ranking first in points allowed in 2023 (19.5) and second in 2024 (16.5). UW-Platteville boasted one of the top run defense units in the country in 2023, allowing just 74.9 yards per game and 2.3 yards per carry. Bauder's defenses have been fantastic at rushing the passer as well, totaling a WIAC-high 37 sacks in 2023 before sharing the conference lead in 2024 with 28 sacks. UW-Platteville finished with 20 interceptions in 2024, the most in the WIAC, and returned two of those picks for touchdowns.
Bauder has coached 11 All-WIAC selections in his first two seasons with the Pioneers. In 2019, the Pioneers were ranked fifth in the NCAA III with a 1.70 turnover margin and had the third-ranked defense in the WIAC, allowing 21.3 points per a game.
While at Augustana, Bauder also served in the role of head strength and conditioning coach. With the Vikings, he coached five All-CCIW Performers. Bauder’s defense was first in CCIW in pass defense, turnovers, and averaged allowing 19.7 pts/game. Bauder has coached 11 All-WIAC selections in his first two seasons with the Pioneers.Â
Prior to Augustana, Bauder was at Wittenberg University and was the linebacker, cornerback, and special teams coach at various points during his tenure. He was integral in three North Coast Atlantic Conference Championship teams and three NCAA playoff appearances with the Tigers going 29-6 during that time. While at Wittenberg, he coached two all-NCAC cornerbacks, and four all-NCAC linebackers.
Bauder started his coaching career at his alma mater, Wartburg, and was with the Knights from 2009-2012 working with the running backs and wide receivers. In addition, he served in the role of assistant recruiting coordinator and assistant strength and conditioning coach.Â
Prior to coaching, Bauder had a successful college career at Wartburg in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. A three-year starter and varsity letter winner, two at wide receiver and one at quarterback, he was named all-conference and was team captain of the 2008 IIAC championship team. In addition to football, Bauder competed on the Wartburg track and field team.
Bauder resides in Platteville with his wife Jordan and sons Brooks and Baylor.
