Trojan Football
Offensive Coaching Staff

Tom Nielsen
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Tom Nielsen will be entering his third season as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Dakota State University. Tom, a Madison, S.D. native, was previously teaching and coaching at Desert Ridge High School in Gilbert, Ariz. for three years.

While at Desert Ridge, Nielsen was the varsity assistant offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Before coaching and teaching in Arizona, he was a student-athlete at Dakota State, participating in both men's basketball and football. Nielsen graduated from Dakota State University in the fall of 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education. Most recently, Nielsen completed his master's in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Tom and his wife Erin, who is originally from Pierre, S.D., have one son, Nolan and one daughter, Collins. Erin is also a graduate of Dakota State University and played four years of women's basketball. Nielsen is also teaching for the College of Education at Dakota State University.

Matt Storm
Assistant Coach/Running Backs

Matt Storm is entering his third year as an assistant on the coaching staff for the Trojan Football team. He will be coaching the running backs for the Trojans in 2010.

Storm came to Dakota State as a player in the fall of 2004 and finished his career in the fall of 2008. He redshirted in the fall of 2004 and played offensive line until 2007. In the fall of 2008, Storm moved his positions and finished his career on the defensive line. He was a team captain of the 2008 team. Along with coaching, Storm has assisted in recruiting, fundraising, coordinating team camps and working with alumni.

Storm is a native of South Omaha, Neb. and graduated from Omaha Central High School in 2004. He was an All-District Offensive Lineman, senior captain at Central and was a member to the 2004 Nebraska/Iowa Down Under All-Star Team.

Matt is the son of Ron and Judy Storm, both of South Omaha, Neb. Matt graduated in spring 2010 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a minor in Health as well as a endorsement in K-12 technology from Dakota State. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Educational Technology.

Don Strand
Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers

Don Strand is entering his second year as an assistant coach with the Trojan Football coaching staff. He will be working with the wide receivers this season.

Strand was a dual sport athlete at Dakota State, participating in baseball and football. He was a four-time All-Conference in football and was an All-Conference in baseball.

A native of Tracy, Minn., Strand received his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science at Dakota State University in spring 2010. He is the son of Terry and Carol Strand. Strand is pursing his graduate degree in Educational Technology at DSU.