John Haneline, BGSU Linebackers Coach

John Haneline is the new linebackers coach for Youngstown State football team. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and has been coaching for more than 10 years.

Haneline is the former defensive line coach at Western Illinois and has also served as a graduate assistant for the University of Toledo and Ohio Northern. He has an impressive coaching resume.

Early Life and Education

During a recent Bowling Green State University football practice, senior linebacker john haneline was hobbling around on crutches. Fortunately, his foot and tongue are both on the mend. While he may not have had the best day, Haneline’s unwavering dedication to his craft is as impressive as his play on the field.

One of Haneline’s many accomplishments is being the first linebacker in school history to earn a degree from the BGSU department of kinesiology. This accomplishment has set the stage for the future of the program. Among Haneline’s most notable contributions is his leadership and the development of a culture that values teamwork, collaboration and integrity. His efforts have made him a role model for a younger generation of Falcons. The aforementioned achievements, coupled with his impressive batting average and a strong work ethic, should pay off dividends for years to come.

Professional Career

A member of the BGSU football coaching staff since February 2022, John Haneline joined the Penguins after a year as defensive line coach at Western Illinois. In his first season, he coached Khalen Saunders to first-team All-MVFC and All-American (Associated Press and STATS FCS) honors.

He ranked third in the conference with 35 tackles and four sacks. He also contributed five passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two INTs in 12 games.

Haneline was a four-year letter winner and three-year starter for the Falcons. He was a key member of the team’s 2007 MAC East Co-Championship and 2004 GMAC Bowl title.

Achievements and Honors

Having played at the highest level of football since his high school days in North Olmsted, Ohio, it’s no surprise that he is an accomplished player and coach. Having earned accolades as both a linebacker and defensive graduate assistant at BG, he also possesses a plethora of other coaching credentials including serving as co-Defensive Coordinator in 2023.

In his two seasons on the YSU staff, Haneline has been responsible for a number of significant accomplishments and innovations. The most noteworthy is his selection as a recipient of the EAPS department’s most prestigious award. In the EAPS department’s latest online award ceremony, Haneline was hailed as the most important alumnus of all time. He is a member of the department’s Board of Advisors and serves as an ambassador to his alma mater and to the YSU community.

Personal Life

John Haneline is a former collegiate athlete and now a coach. He currently works as a linebackers coach for Youngstown State University.

Haneline has a long history in coaching. He has served as a defensive graduate assistant at Mississippi State and the University of Toledo.

He has also worked as a linebackers coach at Colorado School of Mines and Ohio Northern University.

He coached the Leathernecks’ defensive run game last year, and helped Khalen Saunders to first team all-MVFC and All-American honors in his senior campaign. He also coached Greg Benton Jr., Alex Howard and Keon Freeman during their time at YSU in 2022.