Tom Rethman is in his ninth year as the Chargers' head football coach. Rethman led the Cliff to a 3-8 record last season. In his eight seasons, Rethman is 20-68 overall as the head coach of the Chargers. He owns two of the winningest-seasons in program history with four wins in 2013 and 2009. Rethman's offense broke several school records during the season, highlighted by the team rushing for 323 yards against Dordt and passing for 540 yards against Midland. Rethman came to Briar Cliff following assistant coaching stops at various NCAA I-AA (Illinois State, Southern Illinois) and NCAA DIII (Knox College, Carroll College and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh) institutions.
Rethman spent seven seasons as the offensive coordinator at Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In 2007, his offense led the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in fewest turnovers, while ranking second in rushing offense and passing efficiency. The Titans were third in total offense and averaged 28.2 ppg. Prior to coaching at Wisconsin Oshkosh, Rethman was the offensive coordinator at Carroll College for two years. In one season, he helped the Pioneers' team improve from last in total offense and scoring offense to third in both categories.
Rethman is a 1992 graduate of Knox College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in history and was a four-time letterwinner at defensive back. He then spent one season at Knox as an assistant coach, overseeing the wide receivers and tight ends. He then served as a graduate assistant at Southern Illinois for a year before completing his graduate studies at Illinois State. At Southern Illinois, Rethman worked with the defensive backs and outside linebackers, while at Illinois State, he coached the tight ends, offensive line, kickers and punters for two seasons. After earning his master's degree from Illinois State in 1996, Rethman returned to his alma mater where he served as offensive coordinator for three years. He also coached the quarterbacks, kickers and punters.
Rethman and his wife, Michelle, have four children; daughters, Devin, Tara and Jenna, and son, Garrett.
Rethman's Year-by-Year Results:
2008: 2-9
2009: 4-7
2010: 2-9
2011: 2-9
2012: 1-10
2013: 4-7
2014: 2-9
2015: 3-8
Career: 20-68
