Russ Martin is in his fifth season as the Lopers offensive coordinator and QB’s coach.

     A native of Scottsbluff, Martin coached linebackers at UNK during the 1986 and 1987 seasons.

     He rejoined UNK’s program in the winter of 2004 after working at I-AA Southeast Missouri State for four years.

    "We're very excited that Russ is coming to UNK. I've known him for a better part of 20 years and he is a perfect fit for this program," Morris said. "Russ is a very optimistic and his personality will allow him to fit right in with our players and coaching staff."

      Prior to coming back to Kearney, the Chadron State graduate was head coach at NAIA Black Hills State (S.D.) from 1996-99 and was an assistant coach at Baylor (1985), Kansas Wesleyan (1988-91) and Bethany College, Kans. (1991-95).

      After the 1995 season, in which the Bethany Swedes led the nation in points (51.1) and total offense (540) per game, Martin was named the Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Quarterly Magazine.

      In 2007, UNK averaged a healthy 33.9 points per game while ranking in the RMAC's top five in both passing (215.9 ypg) and rushing (173.4 ypg) offense.

      Individually in the RMAC, senior back Jake Richards was among the leaders in rushing TD's (seven) with junior receiver Eric Myrick ranking first in TD catches (eight).  

     In his first year in leading the Loper offense, despite using four different quarterbacks, Martin saw the Lopers rank third in the RMAC in scoring (27 ppg) and in passing yards per game (252),

     The following fall, UNK set new school records for passing yards (3,794), pass completions (282), passing TD’s (37) and offensive yards (5,331). The unit also averaged 37 points and 444 yards per game.

     Individually, senior QB Marcus Goldenstein set several school records, receivers Richie Ross and Kyle Rupp each went over 1,000 yards and the Loper running attack went for 1,537 yards and 16 TD’s.           

     In 2006, with eight new starters on offense, the Lopers tallied just over 20 points per game and ranked third in the league in passing yards. Individually, Myrick led the RMAC with 62 receptions.       

        At SEMO, Martin directed an offense that averaged 25.6 points and 383.4 yards of offense per game over a four year period. 

       In 2002, the Indians went 8-4, their best record since 1969. That team averaged 34.6 points and 447.3 yards of offense per game with receiver Willie Ponder setting a school record for catches in year (87) and also setting the Ohio Valley Conference mark for TD catches in a single season (15). 

      Ponder is currently playing in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams.

        His QB’s were also consistently ranked among the national leaders in passing yards and efficiency.

       In 2003, the Indians went 5-7 (5-3 OVC) with tight end Ray Goodson, center Eugene Amano and guard Dan Bieg earning All-American honors.   

       Martin and his wife, Linda, have four children; Ben, Elizabeth, Daniel and Phillip. Dan is a sophomore linebacker on this year’s team.