Mike Bernarde enters his first season on the defensive side of the ball in 2020, working with the defensive line after spending the previous six seasons working with the offenisve line and tight ends.
During his five seasons as the team’s tight ends coach, Bernarde has coached four All-NSIC honorees including Bryce Duncan in 2015, Erik Fuller in 2016 and Tyler Schmidt in 2017 and 2019. Fuller finished his 2016 season with 10 touchdown catches, which were the sixth most in a season in program history.
Prior to joining the Maverick coaching staff, Bernarde played four seasons with Minnesota State on the offensive line from 2009-12. He would go on to receive All-NSIC honors in 2012 and was a member of an offensive that helped its rush for 3,300 yards and 38 touchdowns, which both rank fourth in a season in Minnesota State history. The Mavericks also advanced to the NCAA semifinals for the first time in program history in 2012.
Bernarde graduated from Minnesota State in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in coaching.
