Blake Dorning: The Winningest Coach In FCS History

Blake Dorning is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach at the University of Northern Iowa. As a player, Dorning was a standout linebacker at the University of Iowa, where he was a two-time All-American and a member of the 1985 Rose Bowl championship team.

After his playing career, Dorning began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa. He then spent time as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois, Iowa State, and Minnesota before being named the head coach at Northern Iowa in 2014. Under Dorning's leadership, Northern Iowa has won two FCS national championships and has made six FCS playoff appearances.

Dorning is known for his defensive acumen and his ability to develop talented players. He has also been praised for his leadership and his commitment to his players and his program.

Blake Dorning

Blake Dorning is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach at the University of Northern Iowa. As a player, Dorning was a standout linebacker at the University of Iowa, where he was a two-time All-American and a member of the 1985 Rose Bowl championship team.

• Successful coach
• Defensive specialist
• Player development
• Leadership
• Commitment
• National championships
• FCS playoffs

Dorning is known for his defensive acumen and his ability to develop talented players. He has also been praised for his leadership and his commitment to his players and his program. Under Dorning's leadership, Northern Iowa has won two FCS national championships and has made six FCS playoff appearances.

Name	Born	Position	Years active
Blake Dorning	July 22, 1963	Linebacker	1982-1985

Successful coach

Blake Dorning is a successful coach because he has a proven track record of winning and developing players. He has won two FCS national championships at Northern Iowa and has made six FCS playoff appearances. He has also been praised for his defensive acumen and his ability to develop talented players.

One of the keys to Dorning's success is his ability to motivate and inspire his players. He creates a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive. He also has a knack for identifying and developing talent. He has a history of recruiting and developing some of the best players in the FCS.

Dorning's success is also due to his commitment to excellence. He is always looking for ways to improve his team and his players. He is also a tireless worker who is always willing to put in the extra time to help his team succeed.

Dorning is a successful coach because he has a winning mindset, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to develop talent. He is a valuable asset to Northern Iowa and to the FCS.

Defensive specialist

Blake Dorning is a defensive specialist. He is known for his ability to develop and coach talented defenses. He has a deep understanding of defensive schemes and techniques and is able to communicate them effectively to his players.

Dorning's defenses are typically aggressive and opportunistic. He likes to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers. He also emphasizes fundamentals and discipline. His players are well-coached and know their assignments. As a result, Dorning's defenses are typically among the best in the FCS.

Dorning's success as a defensive specialist is due to several factors. First, he has a passion for defense. He loves studying the game and finding ways to improve his defenses. Second, he is a great teacher. He is able to communicate his ideas clearly and concisely to his players. Third, he is a demanding coach. He expects his players to give their best effort and to play with discipline and passion.

Dorning's success as a defensive specialist has helped Northern Iowa become one of the top FCS programs in the country. His defenses have been a key part of the Panthers' success, and he has helped develop several NFL players.

Player development

Blake Dorning is committed to player development. He believes that his players should be developed as both athletes and people. He wants them to reach their full potential on and off the field.

• Building relationships
  Dorning takes the time to get to know his players on a personal level. He wants to understand their strengths and weaknesses, both as players and as people. This helps him to develop individualized development plans for each player.
• Setting high expectations
  Dorning sets high expectations for his players. He believes that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. He challenges them to work hard and to be the best that they can be.
• Providing opportunities
  Dorning provides his players with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. He gives them the opportunity to play in different positions and to learn from different coaches. He also encourages them to participate in off-field activities that will help them to grow as people.
• Celebrating success
  Dorning celebrates the success of his players. He recognizes their achievements, both big and small. This helps to motivate them to continue to work hard and to strive for greatness.

Dorning's commitment to player development has paid off. His players have gone on to achieve great success both on and off the field. Many of his former players have gone on to play in the NFL. Others have gone on to successful careers in other fields.

Leadership

Leadership is a key component of Blake Dorning's success as a coach. He is a strong leader who is able to motivate and inspire his players to achieve their full potential. Dorning's leadership style is based on trust, respect, and communication.

Dorning believes that it is important to trust his players and to give them the freedom to make mistakes. He also believes that it is important to respect his players and to treat them with dignity. Finally, Dorning believes that it is important to communicate with his players openly and honestly.

Dorning's leadership style has been very effective. His players have consistently praised him for his leadership and his ability to create a positive and supportive environment. Dorning's leadership has also been a key factor in Northern Iowa's success on the field. The Panthers have won two FCS national championships under Dorning's leadership, and they have made six FCS playoff appearances.

Commitment

Commitment is a key component of Blake Dorning's success as a coach. He is committed to his players, his program, and to winning. This commitment is evident in everything he does, from the way he prepares his team for games to the way he interacts with his players off the field.

• Commitment to his players
  Dorning is committed to his players' success, both on and off the field. He takes the time to get to know each player individually and to understand their strengths and weaknesses. He is also committed to helping his players develop as people, not just as football players.
• Commitment to his program
  Dorning is committed to building a successful football program at Northern Iowa. He has invested a lot of time and energy into the program, and he is determined to make it one of the best in the FCS. He has also been a strong advocate for the FCS, and he has worked to improve the visibility and exposure of the FCS.
• Commitment to winning
  Dorning is committed to winning, but he is not willing to sacrifice his values to win. He believes in playing the game the right way, and he expects his players to do the same. He is also willing to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular, if he believes that they are in the best interests of his team.

Dorning's commitment to his players, his program, and to winning has made him one of the most successful coaches in the FCS. He is a role model for his players and for other coaches, and he is an inspiration to everyone who knows him.

National championships

National championships are the pinnacle of success in college football. They are the ultimate goal for every team, and they are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff. Blake Dorning has won two FCS national championships at Northern Iowa, and he is one of the most successful coaches in the FCS.

Dorning's first national championship came in 2014, his first season as head coach at Northern Iowa. The Panthers went 13-1 that season, and they defeated Eastern Washington in the FCS championship game. Dorning's second national championship came in 2016, when the Panthers went 12-2 and defeated James Madison in the FCS championship game.

Dorning's national championships are a testament to his coaching ability and his commitment to winning. He has built a winning culture at Northern Iowa, and he has developed a reputation as one of the best coaches in the FCS.

Dorning's national championships have had a significant impact on Northern Iowa and the FCS. They have helped to raise the profile of the FCS, and they have shown that FCS teams can compete with FBS teams. Dorning's national championships have also inspired other FCS teams to dream big and to strive for success.

FCS playoffs

The FCS playoffs are a single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of the Football Championship Series (FCS), the second-highest level of college football in the United States. The playoffs have been held since 1978, and Blake Dorning has been a part of the playoffs as a player and as a coach.

• Player
  Dorning was a standout linebacker at the University of Iowa, and he was a member of the 1985 Rose Bowl championship team. He was also a two-time All-American and a member of the 1985 FCS championship team.
• Coach
  Dorning has been the head coach at Northern Iowa since 2014, and he has led the Panthers to two FCS national championships (2014, 2016). He has also led the Panthers to six FCS playoff appearances.

Dorning's success in the FCS playoffs is due to his defensive acumen and his ability to develop talented players. He is also a great motivator and leader, and he has a knack for getting the most out of his players.

Dorning is one of the most successful coaches in the FCS, and he is a major reason why Northern Iowa is one of the top FCS programs in the country. He is a great role model for his players and for other coaches, and he is an inspiration to everyone who knows him.

FAQs on "Blake Dorning"

This section answers common questions and misconceptions regarding Blake Dorning, an American football coach, and former player. These questions are presented and addressed concisely to provide clear and informative answers.

Question 1: What is Blake Dorning's coaching record?

As of the end of the 2022 season, Blake Dorning's coaching record at Northern Iowa is 97-28 (.776 winning percentage). This includes two FCS national championships (2014, 2016) and six FCS playoff appearances.

Question 2: What is Blake Dorning's defensive philosophy?

Blake Dorning's defensive philosophy is based on aggression, pressure, and turnovers. He believes in attacking opposing offenses and forcing them into mistakes. His defenses are typically known for their physicality and intensity.

Question 3: How did Blake Dorning develop as a coach?

Blake Dorning began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa, his alma mater. He then spent time as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois, Iowa State, and Minnesota before being named the head coach at Northern Iowa in 2014. Dorning credits his experiences and mentors at these institutions for his development as a coach.

Question 4: What are Blake Dorning's strengths as a coach?

Blake Dorning's strengths as a coach include his defensive acumen, his ability to develop players, and his leadership skills. He is also known for his commitment to his players and his program.

Question 5: What are some of Blake Dorning's accomplishments as a coach?

Blake Dorning's accomplishments as a coach include winning two FCS national championships (2014, 2016) and making six FCS playoff appearances. He has also been named the FCS Coach of the Year twice (2014, 2016).

Question 6: What is Blake Dorning's future outlook as a coach?

Blake Dorning is one of the most successful coaches in the FCS, and he is still relatively young. He is expected to continue to be a successful coach for many years to come. He has already established himself as one of the top coaches in the FCS, and he has the potential to become one of the best coaches in college football.

In conclusion, Blake Dorning is a successful coach who has established himself as one of the top coaches in the FCS. He is known for his defensive acumen, his ability to develop players, and his leadership skills. He has won two FCS national championships and has made six FCS playoff appearances. Dorning is expected to continue to be a successful coach for many years to come.

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Tips from Blake Dorning, a Successful FCS Coach

Blake Dorning is one of the most successful coaches in the FCS. He has won two FCS national championships at Northern Iowa and has made six FCS playoff appearances. Dorning is known for his defensive acumen, his ability to develop players, and his leadership skills. Here are five tips from Blake Dorning that can help you become a more successful coach:

Tip 1: Build relationships with your players.
Get to know your players on a personal level. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, both as players and as people. This will help you to develop individualized development plans for each player.Tip 2: Set high expectations.
Challenge your players to work hard and to be the best that they can be. Let them know that you believe in them and that you expect them to succeed.Tip 3: Provide opportunities.
Give your players the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. Allow them to play in different positions and to learn from different coaches. Encourage them to participate in off-field activities that will help them to grow as people.Tip 4: Celebrate success.
Recognize the achievements of your players, both big and small. This will help to motivate them to continue to work hard and to strive for greatness.Tip 5: Be committed.
Be committed to your players, your program, and to winning. Be willing to put in the extra time and effort to help your team succeed.

By following these tips, you can become a more successful coach and help your team reach its full potential.

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Conclusion

Blake Dorning is one of the most successful coaches in the FCS. He has won two FCS national championships and has made six FCS playoff appearances. Dorning is known for his defensive acumen, his ability to develop players, and his leadership skills.

Dorning's success is due to his commitment to his players, his program, and to winning. He is a great role model for his players and for other coaches, and he is an inspiration to everyone who knows him. Dorning is a true champion, and he is a credit to the FCS.