Varsity Defensive Coordinator

Bill Kinnunen, a 1985 Grand Rapids grad, is entering his 27th season with the program. Kinnunen coordinates the Thunderhawk defense along with coaching the linebackers. In high school he played for Bill Soltys and the legendary defensive coordinator Mr. D, Tom Drazenovich, while also participating in baseball and ice hockey.

While at Itasca Community College Kinnunen played quarterback for renowned head coach, Dave Hrouda, and participated in baseball and ice hockey. Bill finished up his education at the College of St. Scholastica playing baseball and ice hockey (Scholastica didn’t have football yet).

Bill enjoys hunting and fishing when not watching film. He has also been the Grand Rapids head baseball coach for the last 20 years. Coach Kinnunen and his young bride, of 28 years, Teresa (class of '85), have two daughters, Bailey (class of '16) and Kaija (class of '19) along with five year old puppy, Kirby.