Michael Elder enters his second season as linebackers coach on Jason Woodman’s football staff at Fairmont State University.
In his first season leading the linebackers at Fairmont State, Elder helped the Falcons rank in the top-40 in the country in total defense, rushing defense, interceptions and first-down defense. He also helped in the development of first team All-MEC linebacker Trevon Shorts, who led the Falcons with 79 total tackles, including 14.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks on the season. Shorts also picked-off two passes during the 2019 season.
Elder arrived at Fairmont State after serving as outside linebackers coach and video coordinator at the University of Findlay under new Fairmont State defensive coordinator Tom Rebholz. Elder recruited northeast Ohio, northwest Ohio and Florida while at Findlay, and also helped develop a trio of all-conference linebackers, including two first team selections.
Prior to joining the coaching staff at Findlay, Elder spent one season as defensive backs coach and video coordinator at MEC rival Glenville State during the 2017 season. While with the Pioneers, Elder coached second team All-MEC safety Earon Seetles and MEC honorable mention cornerback Bakari Davis.
Elder began his coaching career as a linebacker intern at Slippery Rock University during the spring of 2017 before heading to GSC.
Prior to his coaching career, Elder was a three-year member of the football program at Grove City College as a middle linebacker from 2014 through 2016. Elder was a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee while at GCC.
He earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management from Grove City College in July 2017.
