JOSH RUNDA

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/LINEBACKERS

EMAIL: joshuarunda@isu.edu

COLLEGE: Bluffton University (2014), Bluffton University MBA (2016)

PRIMARY RECRUITING AREAS: Ohio, Idaho Falls, Utah County

AT A GLANCE:

·       A proponent of the vaunted 3-3-5 defense

·       Has previously served as Defensive Line Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator

·       Helped Iowa State to the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl

·       A record setting linebacker at Bluffton University he was a three-time all-conference selection and twice named to the All-Ohio College football team

CAREER BACKGROUND:

Season              Team/School                            Position/Title

2014-2015        Bluffton University                   Graduate Assistant/Linebackers/JV Head Coach

2016                 Ohio Wesleyan                         Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach

2017                 University of Indianapolis         Linebackers Coach

2018                 Wilmington College                  Linebackers/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator

2018-2019        Bluffton University                   Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

2020                 Bluffton University                   Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator

2021-2022        Iowa State                                Defensive Quality Control

2023                 Idaho State                               Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

COACH RUNDA:

Utilizing a three high safety look, using split field coverage concepts, Coach Runda is well versed in running a 3-3-5 defense. Most recently at Iowa State, he helped the Cyclones rank ninth nationally in total defense only allowing two teams to gain 350 yards. Ranked second in Big 12 conference play, the Iowa State defense also totaled 33 sacks and limited offenses to 187.8 passing yards per game en route to the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl.

Coach Runda began his coaching career at his alma mater, Bluffton University, initially mentoring the Linebacking corps while heading up the JV squad and additionally serving as the recruiting coordinator whilst overseeing the Strength Conditioning program. A one-year stint at Ohio Wesleyan followed where he coached the Defensive Ends and coordinated Special Teams. He then moved onto the University of Indianapolis where he coached the Linebackers before joining Wilmington College to coach Linebackers and having defensive pass game oversight before returning to Bluffton University as Defensive Coordinator.

As Defensive Coordinator at Bluffton, Coach Runda would later add Assistant Head Coach to his title, he helped Montez Archer Jr to Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

A three-time all-conference middle linebacker, Runda was twice named to the All-Ohio College Football Third Team at Bluffton University where he stills holds the Bluffton single-season record for solo tackles (70), ranks second in career tackles for a loss, and fourth in career total tackles (274).

A native of Lima, Ohio he earned two degrees from Bluffton University: 2013 Bachelors in Broadcasting and Journalism and added a Master’s in Business Administration in 2016. He resides in Pocatello with his wife Nikki.