Justin Schiets enters his first season at Valparaiso University in 2026, serving as the Director of Football Operations and defensive ends coach.
Schiets arrived at Valpo following a stint in player personnel and recruiting at Western Michigan University. Prior to his time with the Broncos, Schiets returned to his alma mater, Toledo Central Catholic High School, where he taught business classes and coached varsity football. In his first season, leading the varsity safeties, he helped guide the Fighting Irish to the 2025 OHSAA Division III State Championship game. Additionally, Schiets gained valuable administrative experience working in stadium projects, facilities, and events for the Toledo Mud Hens minor league baseball organization.
Before transitioning to coaching, Schiets enjoyed a successful collegiate playing career of six seasons. He began at Bowling Green State University in 2019, appearing in six games at linebacker for the Falcons, and graduated from BGSU in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He then played the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Northern Michigan University, where he recorded 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. In 2024, he led the Wildcats in quarterback hits and pressures (3). While also completing his Masters of Business Administration in Data Analytics from Northern Michigan in December of 2024.
A native of Woodville, Ohio, Schiets also had a decorated high-school career at Toledo Central Catholic, helping the football team to a 36-5 record and two regional championships over three years as a starter.
