Mark Sipple was named Drake football’s Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach in February 2026.
Sipple previously coached at NCAA Division II schools Augustana University in South Dakota (2020-25) and St. Cloud State University (2014-19) as the Vikings’ and Huskies’ D.C. He was also defensive coordinator at UW-Eau Claire (2003-13) and Wisconsin Lutheran College (1998-2002) after starting his leadership career as a Graduate Assistant at the University of North Dakota (1996-97), coaching outside linebackers.
Sipple helped guide teams to three NSIC Championships (2021, 2023, 2024), three NCAA Division II Playoff berths (2021, 2023, 2024), was named 2023 NSIC Assistant Coach of the Year, and earned the 2007 WIAC Assistant Coach of the Year honor.
Individually, he coached Peyton Buckley, the 2024 NSIC Player of the Year. While at Augustana, the Viking defense led the nation in rushing yards per game (41.8) in 2021. His SCSU defense led the country in average yards per rush allowed (2.11) in 2019.
Sipple earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary math education from UW-Eau Claire before receiving a master’s degree in educational administration at North Dakota.
Mark and his wife, Sara, have a daughter, Lydia, and son, Isaak.
