Player Bio: Mike Denbrock

  Mike Denbrock
Mike Denbrock
Player Profile
Position:
Offensive Line/Tackles/Tight Ends

Mike Denbrok is in his first season on The Farm as an offensive line coach fortackles and tight ends. Denbrock, who coached in the Arena Football League thepast two seasons, was named to his current position by head coach Tyrone Willinghamon January 22, 2001.

Denbrok, 37, was the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and offensiveand defensive line coach for the Buffalo Destroyers of the AFL in 1999 and 2000.In their second year in the league, Denbrock helped the Destroyers land a playoffberth in 2000. His '99 defense finished third in the league in both scoringand total defense.

Prior his two years in the Arena League, Denbrock had coached at his alma mater,Grand Valley State (1992-98), Illinois State (1990-91) and Michigan State (1988-89).He also held the position of Director of Pro-Player Personnel.

During his coaching career, Denbrock has coached nine First-Team All-Americasand several others who have gone on to professional football, including four NFLplayers.

At NCAA Division II Grand Valley State, Denbrock was both the offensive coordinatorand defensive coordinator during his seven years in Allendale, Michigan (`92-98).He was the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and wide receivers coach from 1992-95,then switched to the defensive side of the ball where he was the coordinator andlinebackers coach from `96-98.

Denbrock's defense at Grand Valley ranked among the nation's top 30in total defense, scoring defense and rush defense from 1996-98. His '96defense led the MIFC and was 11th nationally in scoring defense while also leadingthe conference in total defense. As the offensive coordinator, Denbrock'ssquad was first in the MIFC in both total and scoring offense from 1992-94. In'95, his offense ranked eighth in the nation in scoring and 12th in totaloffense. Eight of his players earned First-Team All-America honors during hisseven-years at Grand Valley State.

Following four seasons as a graduate assistant, Denbrock's first coachingassignment came in 1990 and '91 as the tackles and tight ends coach at IllinoisState, an NCAA Division 1AA team.

Denbrock began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Grand Valley Statein 1986 and '87 before moving on to Michigan State in '88 and '89,also as a graduate assistant.

A 1986 graduate of Grand Valley State, Denbrock holds a bachelor's degreein communication. He recently earned a master's degree in Athletic Administrationfrom Michigan State. As a member of GVSU football team from 1982-85, Denbrockwon the Phillip Shultz Award for attitude and commitment to the football programas a senior.

Coaching Assignments
1986-87Grand Valley StateGraduate Assistant
1988-89Michigan StateGraduate Assistant
1990-91Illinois StateOffensive Line
1992-98Grand Valley StateOff. Cord/QB/WR (`92-95)
Def. Coord./LB (`96-98)
1999-2000Buffalo DestroyersAsst. Head Coach
Def. Coord/OL/DL
2001StanfordOffensive Line
Bowl Experience
1988Gator BowlMichigan State
1989Aloha BowlMichigan State
Prominent Players Coached
Brian Brown, TEIllinois State
Bob Mitchell, TEGrand Valley State
Mike Sheldon, OTGrand Valley State
Diricki Mose, WRGrand Valley State
Carlton Haselrig, OGBuffalo Destroyers

The Denbrock File

  • Full Name: Michael Frederick Denbrock
  • Hometown: Homer, Michigan
  • High School: Homer
  • College: Grand Valley State, 1986
  • Graduate Degree: Michigan State, 2001
  • Marital Status: Single

Playing Experience

  • TE, Grand Valley State, 1982-85