ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. --- After a national search, Crown College is excited to announce Anthony Franz as its next Head Football Coach. The St. Charles, Missouri native has 15 years of football coaching experience. He is a proven recruiter and team builder with a passion for spiritual and academic development. Most recently, Coach Franz was leading the football program at Trinity International University and had been on staff there since 2016. Athletics Staffing and Consultants assisted on the search, led by Senior Vice President Dr. Kurt Patberg.
During his time as offensive coordinator, Franz revitalized the Trojan offense, becoming the fifth-best passing attack in the NAIA. He started at Trinity in 2016 as the Defensive Line Coach before switching to Offensive Line in 2017. He then took over as the Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator in 2018 and Offensive Coordinator in 2019. Franz has excelled in every area he's coached, helping student-athletes achieve 19 All-Conference honors, four All-NCCAA honors, and three players to All-NAIA Scholar honors.
Franz is a committed Christian whose coaching style fits in perfectly with Crown's mission. "Coach Franz will enhance the student-athlete experience while ensuring that we are graduating champions and leaders. We are equally excited to welcome his wife Jessie and daughter Aley to the Crown family," said Vice President of College Relations Travis Whipple.
Before Trinity International University, he coached at Dordt University from 2012-2016 in various positions, including Special Teams Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach, Offensive Line Coach, and Wide Receivers Coach. In 2008-2009 he served the Indoor Football League's RiverCity Rage as their Director of Football Operations, helping lead them to the 2009 United Bowl. In addition to his collegiate and semi-professional experience, Franz has an excellent understanding of the high school football scene, coaching Francis Howell North High School from 2006-2012.
"Coach Franz impressed us from the moment we met with his infectious energy and passion for discipleship and serving his student-athletes," notes Director of Athletics Luke Herbert. "We will benefit from not only the expertise he brings but the vision he has for Crown football."
Coach Franz is thrilled to be joining the Crown Community in the days ahead and welcoming Storm football student-athletes back to campus soon. He is looking forward to building a premier program of excellence that honors the tradition of football at Crown.
