PCM alum Peterson takes over Grand View football program

DES MOINES — Former PCM Mustang and Monroe native E.J. Peterson spent the last six seasons as the Defensive Coordinator for the Grand View University football program.

And after helping the Vikings grab their second NAIA title last month, Peterson has been elevated to the head coaching role.

Peterson replaces Joe Woodley, who took over the Drake University football program after leading the Vikings for the past six seasons.

“As a Hall of Fame player, a highly accomplished assistant coach and one of the most successful defensive coordinators in NAIA football history, E.J. has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the field,” Grand View Vice President for Athletics Troy Plummer said. “His deep connection to Grand View, unmatched work ethic and proven leadership make him the ideal candidate to guide our program into an exciting new chapter. Peterson has earned this opportunity, having dedicated himself to the success and tradition of Vikings football.”

Peterson, a 2011 Grand View graduate, takes the helm at Grand View after helping guide the Vikings to a flawless 14-0 season and their second national championship in program history earlier this month.

Along the way, the team solidified its dominance by defeating the last three NAIA national champions on their path to the title.

“I never would have thought in a million years I would be in this position, but when the opportunity came up and knowing the guys we have, the school we are at and the people who mean so much to me, it’s very special and I’m excited,” Peterson said.

As defensive coordinator, Peterson was instrumental in shaping one of the most dominant defenses in NAIA history.

This past season, the Vikings led the nation in several key categories, including total yards allowed (219.9 per game), passing yards allowed (146.9), rushing yards allowed (73.0), and points per game allowed (8.4).

In postseason play, Grand View’s defense surrendered only five touchdowns across four games and limited opponents to a mere 22 percent success rate on third down.

Peterson will begin his role as head coach immediately. He previously spent six seasons at McPherson College as the school’s defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and strength and conditioning coordinator.

“My vision is very similar to what we’ve done offensively and defensively,” Peterson said. “Coach Joe (Woodley) and Coach Mike (Woodley) put a lot of tradition in that I believe in. I’ll find my own way of doing things, but I will mostly stick to what we’ve been doing.”

Peterson has been a defensive coordinator at the collegiate level for the past 10 seasons. His Viking defense posted four shutouts in 2024, and he’s guided 18 shutouts in six seasons as the leader of the Grand View defense.

Peterson’s also coached 10 defensive All-Americans, coached in two NAIA national championship games and helped the Vikings go undefeated in the past six regular seasons.

As a player, Peterson was first team all-conference twice and was an all-American and the Heart of America Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. He also played professionally for the Iowa Barnstormers and was inducted into the Grand View Hall of Fame in 2021.

Peterson recently named Jordan Knock as the team’s offensive coordinator and Tyler Martin will take over as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Peterson will work a lot with the defense he led the past six seasons, but Martin will call the plays.

“It’s been a lot of meetings and getting up to speed on what the processes are of being head coach,” Peterson said about how his role has changed since being named head coach. “We’ve spent a lot of time finalizing the staff, too. We have one more spot on defense to fill.”

Junior John Argo earned Heart of America Defensive Player of the Year this past season under the guidance of Peterson.

“I think Coach Peterson taking over is going to be great for this team and the program, not only does he bring incredible coaching and football knowledge, but as a former Grand View player, he truly understands what it takes to be successful here,” Argo said. “He’s been in our shoes and wouldn’t ask us to do anything he hasn’t done himself. Coach Peterson is the kind of leader guys want to follow and play for because he embodies what it means to be a football guy through and through.”

NAIA Player of the Year and Heart of America Conference Player of the Year Jackson Waring is happy to have Peterson leading the Vikings for his final season as the Vikings starting quarterback.

“Having Coach Peterson take over means a lot to me and the team,” Waring said. “He’s been a huge part of our success, and knowing he’ll be leading us for my final season gives me even more confidence in what we can accomplish. Coach Peterson’s passion, leadership and understanding of what it takes to win at Grand View makes him the perfect choice. I’m excited to finish my college career playing for a coach who knows this program inside and out and pushes us to be our best every single day.”

Peterson grew up in Monroe and graduated from PCM in 2007. He and his wife Abby have two children, 6-year-old Luke and 3-year-old Jess.

The Grand View football roster currently has one player from PCM. Joel Greiner is a sophomore from Monroe.