New Southwestern Oklahoma State University football coach Dan Cocannouer stretched his search across a number of states to grab his newest assistant coach. Dustin Hada, who spent the last nine seasons as an assistant at Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University, was announced as the Bulldogs new offensive line coach Thursday.
The hire marks Cocannouer's second since he was named head coach in December. One spot on the Cocannouer's staff of assistants remains and is likely to be reserved for a linebacker coach.
"I'm very excited about coming to Southwestern and working for Coach Cocannouer," Hada said. "Southwestern offers a great opportunity to test yourself coaching with, and against, some of the top teams and players in Division II with the Lone Star Conference."
Hada, 30, has enjoyed a lengthy connection with the new SWOSU coach extending back to his playing days at Alva High School where Cocannouer was the head coach during the 1994 and 1995 seasons.
"Dustin is a very experienced and knowledgeable coach, who has done great things throughout his career," Cocannouer said. "He's going to be a great addition to our staff and we're looking forward to getting him on board."
Hada played collegiately at Mid America Nazarene University, an NAIA school in Olathe, Kan. While at MANU, he was a three-year starter in the offensive line and was awarded the team's most inspirational player. The Pioneers made three consecutive post-season bowl appearances in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
Hada began his coaching career at Olivet prior to the 2000 season where he served as the defensive line coach and helped lead the team to a No. 13 ranking in the final NAIA poll. That year the Tigers qualified for the NAIA Playoffs for only the second time in school history. Hada eventually elevated to the position of defensive coordinator and remained in that position for the last six years.
Hada has a bachelor's degree in biology from Mid America Nazarene and later earned his master's degree in teaching from Olivet Nazarene in 2002.
He and his wife Dana, have a four-year old daughter, Madelynn.