Mike Thiessen is headed into his 15th season of coaching at the Air Force Academy. As Offensive Coordinator, he has consistently led the offense to national rankings over the past eight years. Over the past six seasons, Thiessen’s offense has been ranked in the top four nationally in rushing, averaged 30-plus points per game, been in the top three nationally in passing yards per completion, and among the top 20 in third-down percentage each year. The Falcons led the nation in rushing last season with 305. 7 average rushing yards per game. The Falcons were the only team in the country that averaged over 300 rushing yards per game. Air Force also led the nation in yards per catch (23.65) last season, while finishing secondi n rushing (298.5) and time of possession( 34:28), third in passing efficiency (187 .9) and second in third down percentage (53.5) in 2019.

Over the past eight seasons, Coach Thiessen has led the quarterback room and continuously guided them to success. UnderThiessen’s direction, quarterbacks Karson Roberts and Arion Worth man earned most valuable player honors at their respective bowl games. Roberts finished his senior campaign leading the team to a Mountain West division championship while Worthman finished the 2017 season ranked Top-10 in the conference in four categories. As receivers coach, Thiessen was instrumental in the development of Jalen Robinette, who finished his career as the all-time leading receiver in school history with 120 catches for 2,697 yards and 18 touchdowns. Thiessen also contributed to the development of All-American Chad Hall, the Mountain West’s offensive player of the year in 2007. Hall Caught 50 passes, the sixth most in school history, for 524 yards, while rushing for 1,478 yards, which ranks second all-time in school history. Hall played six seasons in the NFL with a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers in 2012.

Before Thiessen made his debut as a coach, he was a two-sport athlete at the Air Force Academy. He played both football and baseball, and had great success in both. Thiessen was an All-American baseball player as a centerfielder in the spring of 2000 and was the Mountain West Conference Football Offensive Player of the Year in the fall of 2000. Thiessen was a two-year starter at quarterback and team captain, led the team in rushing, and in 2000, was among the conference leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns, ending his career with player of the year honors.