John Kelling is in his fifth year as the defensive coordinator for the Frostburg State football team in 2018 and will again work with the linebackers.
Frostburg has emerged as one of the nation’s most complete defensive units over the last two seasons and has produced a pair of All-Americans in William Sewell and Niles Scott.
A year ago, Frostburg finished sixth nationally in third-down conversion defense (.253), 13th in rushing defense (82.2) and 16th in total defense (265.6). The Bobcats surrendered just five rushing touchdowns in 13 games and held three opponents to negative rushing yardage.
The Bobcat defense ranked 21st in the nation after collecting 28 turnovers behind 17 fumbles and 11 interceptions to go along with 40 sacks, 108 tackles for loss and 35 pass breakups.
Last fall, the Bobcats won a school record 11 games (11-2) that included NCAA Playoff victories over No. 9 Wittenberg (35-7) and No. 10 Washington & Jefferson (46-23).
Frostburg made just its second-ever NCAA Playoff appearance last fall and advanced to the national quarterfinals for the first time in program history since the tournament expanded to 32 teams. Frostburg spent the entire season ranked inside both major Top 25 polls and it finished the season ranked ninth in both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Coaches and D3football.com polls.
Following the 2016 campaign, the Bobcats were the DIII leader in team tackles for loss (10.7). They also finished sixth in the country in scoring defense (12.9), seventh in team sacks (3.73), eighth in team passing efficiency defense (93.69) and ninth in total defense (240.6).
FSU forced 22 turnovers, nine fumbles and 13 interceptions, posted 19 total sacks, 72 tackles for loss and broke up 25 passes.
In 2015, Kelling directed the Bobcat defense to some impressive numbers as FSU finished 40th nationally and third in the NJAC in total defense (314.7 ypg) and 58th in the country and second in the conference in rushing defense (132.1).
The Bobcats allowed just 20.2 points per game, registered 24 sacks, 72 tackles for loss, picked up eight fumbles and scored two touchdowns.
The Bobcat defense saw marked improvements in 2014 under Kelling’s tutelage. Frostburg finished fifth in the Empire 8 in scoring defense (27.3) and fifth in total defense (359.6). When compared to the final statistics of the 2013 season, the Bobcats allowed 66 fewer first downs, improved their overall total defense by 104.3 yards per contest, allowed 57.3 fewer yards rushing per game and cut opponents' scoring by 17.4 points per game.
Kelling also helped three defensive players earn All-Empire 8 honors, including a USA College Football All-American.
Kelling brought an extensive football background to Frostburg that included several stops at both NCAA Division I and II programs.
For 2012 and 2013 seasons, Kelling served as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator at NCAA Division II University of Mary in Bismark, N.D. The Marauders totaled 10 wins and posted some of the top defensive statistics in the nation.
In 2013, Mary finished 10th in the country in pass sacks (37), 16th in tackles for loss (90.0), 25th in interceptions (17) and 21st in passing efficiency defense (109.36). UM led the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) in sacks, pass defense and tackles for loss and finished third in turnovers and fourth in total defense.
In 2012, Mary led the NSIC and finished 21st in Division II in total sacks (31), while adding 82.0 tackles for loss with nine fumbles and 11 interceptions.
Prior to Mary, Kelling was the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of North Dakota from 2006-12. Kelling helped UND to the 2011 Great West Conference Title and an FCS top-25 ranking for much of the season. In 2006 and 2007, North Dakota appeared in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals, while capturing the North Central Conference Championship in '06.
Prior to being named the co-defensive coordinator, Kelling served as the defensive backs coach at UND from 2004-06. In his first season, North Dakota led the nation in scoring defense (12.2 ppg), posted the eighth best passing efficiency defense and was 10th in total defense. UND advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Playoffs in both 2004 and 2005.
From 1995-2004, Kelling served as both wide receivers coach (1999-04) and defensive backs coach (1995-99) at Division II Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. In 2000, the Vikings posted the country's sixth best passing offense and Kelling helped coach three All-Americans.
Kelling started his coaching tenure at Minnesota State Mankato from 1992-1995 as both a graduate assistant and student assistant. He was a four-year standout player for the Mankato football program from 1988-91. He was named the Football Gazette's Division III Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in '91 and was named the NCC Most Valuable Defensive Back that same year. He was a three-time All-NCC honoree and a two-time All-American.
Kelling earned his bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in coaching from MSU Mankato in 1993. He completed his master's degree in recreation and sports sciences with a concentration in coaching in 2013 from Ohio University.
