Football | 9/5/2025 9:22:00 AM

Oberlin, Ohio – Adding a trio of talented coaches to the staff over the summer, the Oberlin College football team welcomes Jay Peterson, Dante Reynolds, and Kyle Zies to the helm.
 
"When looking to fill out our staff, we placed a premium on finding coaches who are teachers, leaders, and great people. We found all that and much more in Jay, Dante, and Kyle."
 
Head Coach John Pont adds, "I was blessed to work for Jay at our alma mater and jumped at the chance to hire him. He brings outstanding experience and passion for football and teaching to our family. Dante brings incredible playing experience to our team and has a competitive mindset that fires us up. Kyle has a tremendous mind and vision for the game. He will provide a fresh perspective for the offense. Also, their immense connections in Ohio will help bolster our recruiting efforts in our home state."
 
Peterson joins the Yeomen, bringing more than 40 years of coaching experience. A standout running back at Miami University, Peterson played in all 44 games for the RedHawks, amassing over 3,200 yards and 22 touchdowns from the backfield.
 
Peterson made coaching stops at Eastern Michigan University, Illinois State University, Northwestern, Miami, and Wayne State before making a move to the NFL coaching realm. Peterson spent four years as a Defensive Assistant Coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Previously, he also coached for the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts in Linebacker, Special Teams, and Defensive Back roles.
 
"I am ready to get rolling with the Crimson and Gold! It's a privilege to coach alongside John after spending time with him at Miami years ago."
 
Reynolds comes to Oberlin after a phenomenal professional career in The Spring League (TSL) and the Indoor Football League (IFL). In the TSL, Reynolds played two seasons with the Conquerors in the North Division. With the IFL, he competed for the Arizona Rattlers and the San Diego Strike Force.
 
As a coach, Reynolds spent time between Lower Moreland and Norristown Area high schools in Pennsylvania. The new Obie led the offensive line and run game at both schools, earning All-Conference PAC recognition in 2022.
 
"I'm looking forward to season 135 of this great historic program! Go Yeo!"
 
A central Ohio native, Zies was an exceptional high school player preparing for a Quarterback career at Mount Union before facing medical retirement. The First-Team All-Conference selection began his coaching career at Otterbein University, where he served as the Tight Ends and Wide Receivers Coach for the Cardinals. Moving the Quarterback and Recruiting Coordinator the following year, Zies took the Head Coach position at St. John Paul II Catholic High School in New Braunfels, TX, in 2023.
 
Spending two years in one of the largest football regions in the world, Zies led the Falcons to back-to-back state playoff appearances. In his first year, he broke the school records for points scored (321), passing yards (2,785), total yards (3,464), and touchdowns (45).
 
"I am incredibly excited to be back in my home state of Ohio and part of a great coaching staff and community." Zies adds, "I look forward to working with a great group of individuals while coaching and teaching the game I love."
 
The new trio takes off on Saturday, September 6, when the Yeomen host Calvin for their season opener. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
 
Keep up with the Crimson and Gold on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and watch every home game on the Oberlin Sports Network online or on Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV.