BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Gary Newsome, Director of Athletics for Olivet Nazarene University, is pleased to introduce Eric Hehman as the new Head Coach for Tiger Football. Hehman, who brings 11 years of collegiate head coaching experience to Olivet, becomes the ninth coach in 39 year history of the program.

"I'm excited that Coach Hehman is coming our way," said Newsome of the hire. "I think his experience in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) will prepare him to be successful at ONU and in the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA). I am looking forward to working with him."

With 21 total years of coaching under his belt, Hehman's latest stint was at the helm of the Malone University (Ohio) Pioneers. During his six years at Malone, Hehman transitioned the program from an NAIA to an NCAA DII program, going from the MSFA to the GLIAC, both regarded as the strongest conferences in their respective organizations.

Prior to leading the Pioneers, Hehman led Greenville College (Ill.) to the programs first National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) post season, playing in the Victory Bowl in 2009. The same season, the Panthers captured their first ever UMAC-Southern Division title and Hehman earned Coach of the Year honors. In five years at Greenville, Hehman led the Panthers to a 28-22 record.

Hehman also spent time in various assistant coaching capacities at Trinity International University (Ill.) and Taylor University (Ind.), both members of the MSFA. While at TIU as Offensive Coordinator, Hehman helped lead the Trojans to the 2003 MSFA co-championship and an NAIA post season appearance in 2004. He was named the 2004 MSFA Assistant Coach of the Year. Taylor captured the MSFA title in 1998 and earned a trip to the post season with Hehman as the Offensive Line Coach.

"My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Olivet family. It was apparent to me after spending time on campus that ONU is a special place," comments Hehman. "The vision of the leaders, the pursuit of excellence in all ways, the importance placed on intentional relationships with God and community and the mission of 'Education with a Christian Purpose' is what attracted us to the school."

Olivet last captured the MSFA title in 2003 with their last post season appeareance in 2000. In 1998, the Tigers made it to the NAIA National Championship game, before falling to Azusa Pacific University (Cal.).

"I firmly believe that God has prepared me with all the unique experiences I have developing football programs to lead the Tiger football program to new heights. I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to take this program to an NAIA championship level. I am confident that we will build a program that the ONU community will be proud of, on and off the field."

Hehman holds a master's degree sports administration from Ball State University (Ind.) and a bachelor's of science from Taylor. He will join the teaching faculty in the Department of Exercise Science. He and his wife, Liz will make the transition to Bourbonnais with their two sons.