Phil Ockinga joined head coach Bob Nielson’s coaching staff in March 2015, serving as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.
Ockinga worked the last two years at Hutchinson Community College, last year serving as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator while coaching the running backs, tight ends and special teams. HCC ranked sixth nationally in total offense (502.2 ypg), 11th in scoring (42.9 ppg), and fifth in rushing (274.1) while winning a conference title. He coached the league’s Offensive Player of the Year as Hutchinson set the best record in program history at 11-1.
He spent four years at Florida International in various capacities, beginning as a graduate assistant coach then moving into the role as linebackers coach and director of player personnel. FIU ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference and 36th nationally in rushing defense. For two years he worked with in the secondary, FIU led the Sun Belt in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense. During his tenure FIU qualified for its first-ever Bowl game.
Ockinga worked five seasons at Fort Hays State coaching various position groups including the wide receivers, and two years (2002-03) at Hastings College.
He graduated from Hastings with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education then earned a master’s degree at Fort Hays in Health and Human Performance. He and his wife Kelsie have two children, Miles and Claire.
