Bio

Casey Creehan became the 13th head coach of the Viking football program in December of 2023.

Creehan has spent more than 20 years coaching at various levels of collegiate and professional football, and comes to Missouri Valley after spending the 2023 season as the defensive coordinator at NCAA Division II Concord (W.V.).  He has head coaching experience at two NAIA institutions.

"We have high standards for all aspects of our program, and with Coach Creehan we have secured a high-caliber, proven leader to oversee our football program and orchestrate its return to National prominence," said Missouri Valley College President Dr. Joseph A. Parisi upon his hire.

"This has been an extensive search," said Missouri Valley College Athletic Director Mike Machholz.  "We had great candidates, but it became clear to us that Casey had the passion and the energy to lead our football program."

Creehan's most recent head coaching position came at fellow Heart of America Athletic Conference school Peru State (Neb.), where he led the program from 2020-21.  The COVID-impacted 2020 season featured only three games for Peru State.  In 2021, Creehan led the Bobcats to a 7-4 overall record, and a 3-2 record in the Heart North Division.  While at Peru State, Creehan's defense led the NAIA in total defense and rush defense, was second in the NAIA (and led the Heart) in pass defense, and was fifth in the NAIA (and led the Heart) in quarterback sacks.  His defense was first in every defensive statistical category in teh Heart, was first in net punting average, and produced 11 Heart All-Conference selections.

Prior to his time at Peru State, Creehan spent two seasons as head coach of the Lyon (Ark.) football program from 2018-19.  Lyon finished with a 4-7 record in his first season, then followed in 2019 at 7-3 overall, including a 6-2 record in the Sooner Athletic Conference.  The seven wins in 2019 was the most in program history for Lyon, which included the program's first win over a ranked opponent.  Creehan also finished as the winningest coach ay Lyon.  His 2019 team led the Sooner Athletic Conference in passing efficiency, and his pass defense finished No. 16 in the NAIA.  The 2018 team led the conference and was fifth in the NAIA in quarterback sacks.  Creehan coached a total of 15 all-conference selections.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected," said Creehan.  "My family and I are extremely excited to join the Missouri Valley College family and the Marshall community.  I can't wait to get to work and build on the great foundation that has been laid here.  The football program has had a rich tradition, and I am ecstatic to be a part of it.  Dr. Parisi and Coach Machholz have an incredible vision for the program and the institution."

In addition to his years as head coach at the NAIA level, Creehan has spent more than a decade as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator with various Canadian Football League teams.  Creehan served as defensive coordinator with the Toronto Argonauts from 2014-15, Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2013, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012.  He also served as a positional assistant on defense with the Tiger-Cats in 2022, Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 2010-11, Montreal Alouettes in 2008 and with the Calgary Stampeders from 2004-07.

Creehan's accoldates in the CFL include playoff appearances in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, division championships in 2008 and 2011, and two appearances in the Grey Cup, in 2008 and 2011.  He also coached nine CFL All-Stars: Almondo Sewell (2017), Almondo Sewell (2016), Cleyon Laing (2015), Henoc Muamba (2013), Odell Willis (2011), Doug Brown (2011), TJ Hill (2008), Sheldon Napastuk (2005), Joe Fleming (2004).  He also coached CFL Rookie of the Year Finalist, Tearrius George in 2007.

Other achievements include leading the CFL in tackles-for-loss in 2017, led the CFL in forced fumbles finished third in QB sacks and did not allow a 100-yard rusher in 2015, led the CFL in 13 defensive categories, including QB sacks and total defense, in 2011, finished second in total defense in 2010, finished second in QB sacks and rush defense in 2008 and led the CFL in QB sacks in 2005.

Creehan has experience as an assistant coach at the FBS and FCS levels, including time with Eastern Michigan, James Madison (Va.), Southern Illinois and Lehigh (Pa.).  At James Madison, he coach All-American, first team All-A-10 and Division I-AA All-Star participant Jerame Southern.  At Clarion his unit blocked 19 kicks in two season, and he coached two all-PSAC linebackers.  At Leigh he was part of a Patriot League championship and the Division I-AA playoffs.

Creehan received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Grove City (Pa.) and a Master's of Science in health, physical education and recreation from Emporia State (Kan.).  Creehan and his wife, Lori, have two children, Camille and Weston.