Vince Kehres

Vince Kehres is an American football coach and former player, currently serving as the head football coach for the University of Mount Union. The son of legendary Mount Union Purple Raiders coach Larry Kehres, he has continued the program's historic dominance in NCAA Division III football, winning two national championships as head coach. His career is deeply intertwined with the Ohio Athletic Conference powerhouse, where he excelled as a player, a long-time defensive coordinator, and a highly successful head coach before a brief stint in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.

Early life and education

Vince Kehres was born and raised in Alliance, Ohio, immersed in the culture of Mount Union Purple Raiders football from a young age. He attended Mount Union College, graduating with a degree in mathematics. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and began laying the foundation for his future career by observing the program run by his father, Larry Kehres.

Playing career

From 1995 to 1998, Kehres was a standout linebacker for the Mount Union Purple Raiders. He played on teams that captured three NCAA Division III national football championship titles (1996, 1997, 1998) and four consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference championships. His playing career under coach Larry Kehres provided him with firsthand experience of the championship standard and defensive schemes that would define his later coaching philosophy.

Coaching career

Kehres began his coaching career immediately after graduation, starting as a graduate assistant at Mount Union in 1999. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2000, a role he held for 13 seasons under Larry Kehres. During this period, the Purple Raiders defense was consistently among the nation's best, contributing to multiple Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl appearances and national titles. In 2013, he succeeded his father as head coach, becoming only the second head coach at Mount Union since 1986. His tenure was marked by immediate and sustained success, winning seven straight Ohio Athletic Conference titles from 2013 to 2019. He led the program to the NCAA Division III Football Championship game four times, securing national championships in 2015 (against St. Thomas (Minnesota)) and 2017 (against University of Mary Hardin–Baylor). After the 2019 season, he accepted the position of defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Toledo, joining the staff of Jason Candle in the Mid-American Conference. In 2022, he returned to Alliance, Ohio to resume his role as head coach of the Mount Union Purple Raiders.

Head coaching record

As head coach of the Mount Union Purple Raiders, Kehres compiled an overall record of 95–6 through the 2023 season. His teams were undefeated in regular season conference play, capturing every Ohio Athletic Conference championship during his first stint from 2013 to 2019. His postseason record includes appearances in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2023, with victories in 2015 and 2017. His .941 winning percentage is among the highest in the history of NCAA football.

Personal life

Kehres and his wife, Sara Kehres, have two children. He is the son of Larry Kehres, the winningest coach in college football history by percentage, and Linda Kehres. His deep family roots in Alliance, Ohio and commitment to the University of Mount Union community are hallmarks of his personal and professional life. He is actively involved in local organizations and maintains the program's strong connection with Stark County. Category:American football coaches Category:Mount Union Purple Raiders football coaches