Defensive Coordinator Jacob Pardonnet ’18 Steps Down for New Coaching Opportunity

Defensive coordinator Jacob Pardonnet ’18 is departing the nationally-ranked Hope College football team for a coaching opportunity at the NCAA Division II level to be announced. Over four seasons, Pardonnet molded the Flying Dutchmen into one of the top units in NCAA Division III, including ranking in the Top 20 statistically the past two seasons. A nationwide search for a new defensive coordinator has begun. This season, the Pardonnet-led defense recorded the seventh-ranked rush defense in the nation at 62.7 yards per game. Hope also placed 15th in scoring defense at 14.5 points per game, and 20th in total defense…