Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's head football coach, Scott Wooster, has announced the appointment of Ian Shoemaker as the new offensive coordinator for the Laker football team. Shoemaker will be taking over from Matt Vitzthum, who has moved on to join South Dakota's coaching staff. Previously, Shoemaker served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at the University of Hawaii for two years.

"I am extremely excited to announce the addition of Ian Shoemaker to our staff as the offensive coordinator/QB coach," said Scott Wooster. "Ian brings tremendous experience developing QB's and coordinating extremely productive offenses. This hire creates great continuity as he is aligned philosophically and culturally to continue to grow and build our offense into the most physical and explosive in the country. His experience and alignment combined with his track record as a leader of men make Coach Shoemaker the ideal candidate to help us be the best version of GVSU Football," added Wooster.

Shoemaker's previous role was at Eastern Washington from 2019 to 2021, where he led one of the nation's top offenses. The Eagles averaged 537.1 yards and 41.3 points per game during his tenure, reaching the NCAA Football Championship playoffs in both 2020 and 2021. He coached Eric Barriere, a two-time Walter Payton Award finalist who was named FCS National Player of the Year in 2021.

"I am excited and humbled to have been selected to be a part of GVSU football," said Shoemaker. "I can't wait to get to Allendale and dig in with the players and a great coaching staff that coach Wooster has assembled. I am looking forward to adding value to one of the most storied programs in the country."

Before his time at Eastern Washington, Shoemaker was head coach at Central Washington University from 2014-2019, achieving a record of 45-20 with two Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships (2017-2018) and an appearance in the 2017 NCAA DII Playoffs. He earned accolades such as NCAA DII Regional Coach of the Year and GNAC Coach of the Year following their successful season in 2017. Additionally, he served as offensive coordinator at St. Cloud State from 2008-2013, leading an offense spearheaded by Harlon Hill Candidate Phillip Klaphake.