MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Jake Dickert has accepted a position as safeties coach at South Dakota State University.

"It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with one of the best defensive coordinators in the business," head coach Todd Hoffner said. "Jake's relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to Maverick football has allowed our program to achieve a 24-3 record over the last two seasons. Best wishes to Jake, Candice and family as they begin the next chapter of their lives."

During his two seasons at MSU, the Maverick defense ranked near at or near the top in several defensive categories in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. In 2014, the Mavericks allowed the fewest points (12.9 ppg), passing yards (191.5 ypg) and yards per game (338.1) in the league, as the Mavericks advanced all the way to the NCAA Championship game. MSU's 12.9 points per game allowed ranked 2nd in Division II.

One year later, MSU again boasted the top scoring defense (16.1 ppg) and allowed the fewest yards per game in 267.4. MSU's 16.1 points allowed per game ranked fifth in Division II. The Mavericks also had the best rushing defense in the NSIC in 2015, allowing just 72.8 yards a game, to go with the fourth best passing defense (194.6 ypg).

MSU student-athletes received a total of 12 All-NSIC accolades on defense during the last two seasons under Dickert, including eight first-team selections. MSU's Joshua Gordon was also named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year during the last two seasons as well.

A graduate of UW-Stevens Point, Dickert played four seasons for the UWSP football team, where he received All-Wisconsin Athletic Conference honors. After his playing career, Dickert spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at North Dakota State, before serving as the defensive backs coach at the University of South Dakota in 2011. The 2012 season saw Dickert join the Southeast Missouri State football coaching staff, before he accepted the defensive coordinator position at Augustana in 2013.

The Mavericks finished their 2015 season with a 10-2 record and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

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