Mike Bernarde is entering his third season as the Tigers Offensive Line coach, adding the title of Run Game Coordinator during the 2023 campaign.  Last year saw a productive year for the Tiger Offense, as the OL led the charge in averaging over 140 yards on the ground a game, good enough for 6th in the conference.  They also were a key piece in helping the offense to a 42% 3rd down conversion rate, good enough for 4th in the conference.  His OL group helped pave the way for Senior RB Jamin Arend to secure the all-time career rushing record at Dakota Wesleyan.  Bernarde coached a first team All-GPAC performer in Senior Parker Grotjohn and a second team performer in Freshman John Pica. 

In his first season with DWU, the Tigers offensive unit saw increases in both yards and points from the previous season with the Tigers offensive line anchored by second team All-GPAC performer, Senior TJ Benton. 

Before arriving in Mitchell, Bernarde served many roles on the coaching staff at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He served as the Mavericks’ Special Teams Coordinator as well as working with the defensive line from the fall of 2020 through the 2021 season after spending the previous six seasons working with the offensive line and tight ends. As the Defensive Line Coach in 2021, he helped coach a unit that was among the best in the NSIC in numerous categories and coached an All-NSIC defensive lineman. 

During his five seasons as the team’s tight ends coach, Bernarde has coached four All-NSIC, including a two time award winner.  Before working with the Tight Ends, Bernarde spent the 2014 season as Assistant Offensive Line Coach, in which he helped coach four All-NSIC linemen. 

Prior to joining the Maverick coaching staff, Bernarde played four seasons with Minnesota State on the offensive line from 2009-12. He would go on to receive All-NSIC honors in 2012 and was a member of an offensive that helped its rush for 3,300 yards and 38 touchdowns, which both rank among the best in a season in Minnesota State history. The Mavericks also advanced to the NCAA semifinals for the first time in program history in 2012. 

Bernarde graduated from Minnesota State in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in coaching.  He resides in Mitchell.