NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Bethel College Director of Athletics Tim Swartzendruber has announced the hiring of Chad Jagerson as the next head coach of the Thresher flag football program.

Jagerson brings more than two decades of coaching and athletic administration experience to Bethel, having worked at the collegiate, professional, high school, and youth levels across multiple sports.

His background includes coaching positions in soccer, football, baseball, and flag football, along with extensive experience in recruiting, program development, fundraising, and student-athlete mentorship.

"Coach Jagerson brings a wealth of experience at various levels to Bethel College," said Swartzendruber. "I am excited about the connections he has for recruiting and his enthusiasm for flag football. Flag football is an exciting sport with much potential and I believe Coach Jagerson can continue to build this program."

Jagerson's experience in flag football includes serving as a Flag Football Development Coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he worked with middle school students throughout the Tampa Bay area teaching the fundamentals of NFL Flag Football while assisting with player camps and community outreach initiatives.

"I am honored to join Bethel College and lead the Women's Flag Football program," said Jagerson."Women's flag football continues to experience tremendous growth across the country, and I am excited to build upon the foundation that has already been established. I look forward to recruiting outstanding student-athletes and helping them succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life."

At the collegiate level, Jagerson has demonstrated success in building and rebuilding programs. While serving as head women's soccer coach at Johnson University Florida, he was tasked with restarting the program and signed 18 student-athletes in less than two years. He also helped rebuild programs at Manhattan Christian College, where he served as both head baseball coach and head women's soccer coach, overseeing recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, and student-athlete development.

Throughout his career, Jagerson has developed a reputation for growing rosters, building relationships with recruits, and creating competitive environments focused on student-athlete success. His coaching résumé spans more than 24 years and includes experience with professional football organizations, college athletics, high school programs, and youth sports development.

A graduate of Baker University with a bachelor's degree in sports science and a minor in coaching, Jagerson also holds numerous coaching certifications, including credentials through the United Soccer Coaches, USA Football, and the American Baseball Coaches Association.

As Bethel College continues to grow its flag football program, Jagerson's diverse coaching background, recruiting network, and passion for athlete development position him to lead the program into its next chapter.

Jagerson and his wife, Jessica, along with their two children, will be relocating to Newton and are excited to become part of the Bethel College and Newton communities.