Tim Steinbach is in his sixth season as SMSU’s defensive coordinator in 2009.
In his five seasons as defensive coordinator, Steinbach has helped lead a defense that has made major improvements in nearly all statistical categories. In 2004, the SMSU defense allowed the fewest points, passing yards and total yards since the 1999 season and also recorded two shutouts, marking the first time since the 1998 season that SMSU had two shutouts in one season.
The Mustang defense racked up 30 quarterback sacks in 2005, the fourth highest total in school history, while also recording 74 tackles for loss, the fifth highest total in the program’s history. SMSU also had 15 interceptions, the most since the 2000 season and the 11th highest in school history.
The 2006 season saw the SMSU defense limit opponents to just 111.5 yards rushing per game, the fewest allowed since the 2000 season and the fourth lowest in school history. SMSU?held opponents to less than 100 yards rushing in six of 11 games. The SMSU pass defense allowed just 180.5 yards per game a season ago ranking second in the NSIC.
In 2007, SMSU safety Tyler Reed earned first team all-region honors becoming the first Mustang defensive player to earn first team all-region honors since 1999. Reed also earned all-region honors in 2008 and was an honorable mention All-America by D2Football.com.
During Steinbach’s tenure at SMSU, the Mustang defense has held opponents to under 100 yards rushing 18 times and has held opponents to 108 yards or less in 20 games. During the 2008 season, SMSU limited opponents to under 100 yards rushing in four games, while his defense ranked seventh in the 14-team league in total defense and third in opponents third-down conversions.
Steinbach, a native of Buffalo, Minn., began his coaching career at Holdingford (Minn.) High School in 1993, before moving to the college ranks in 1994 where he spent two seasons as defensive line coach at Minnesota-Morris. He spent the 1996 and 1997 seasons as an assistant coach at South Dakota State before returning to Minnesota-Morris for the 1998 and 1999 seasons serving as the team’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. In 2000, Steinbach returned to South Dakota State where coached the defensive line and was recruiting coordinator for four seasons before coming to SMSU.
Steinbach played one season at the University of Minnesota Duluth before transferring to St. John’s University where he played running back for two seasons, graduating in 1992 with a degree in management. He earned his master’s degree in athletic administration from South Dakota State in 1998.
Tim and his wife Christy live in Marshall and have one son, Trey and one daughter, Ashleigh.
Steinbach Coaching Experience
1993-95 - Holdingford H.S. (assistant)
1994-95 - Minnesota-Morris (defensive line)
1996-97 - South Dakota State (defensive line/linebackers)
1998-99 - Minnesota Morris (offensive coordinator/offensive line)
2000-03 - South Dakota State (defensive line)
2004-06 - SMSU (defensive coordinator)
2007-09 - SMSU (assistant head coach/defensive coordinator)
Steinbach Playing Experience
1989 - Minnesota Duluth, RB
1990-91 - St. John’s, RB
