“Football in His Blood”: How Head Coach Shann Schillinger Is Shaping the Next Era of Marauder Football

A few seasons ago, the University of Mary turned the page to a new chapter in Marauder Football history by naming former NFL safety and Baker, MT, native Shann Schillinger as its head football coach. Since then, Schillinger has become a familiar sight on the sideline in blue and orange, and his impact on the program—both on and off the field—is increasingly clear.

For Marauder Football Alumni, his tenure so far has confirmed what many hoped when he was hired: this is a leader who understands winning, formation, and the kind of program our university wants to build.

A Montana Football Name with Staying Power

Long before he arrived in Bismarck, the Schillinger name was already synonymous with football in the Big Sky state.

As a star at the University of Montana, Shann helped guide the Grizzlies to two FCS national championship games, earned All–Big Sky Conference honors, and twice received the Tony Barbour Award for unselfish contribution and elite practice habits. He left Missoula ranked among Montana’s best with 257 tackles and 11 interceptions.

His earlier years at Baker High School, under his uncle and legendary coach Don Schillinger, set the tone. From 2001–2004, he captained teams that collected three state titles and contributed to an incredible combined record of 100 wins and just 7 losses between high school and college. “The fastest man from Baker, MT” became one of the most highly recruited prospects in the region.

Even now, that winning pedigree underpins his expectations for Marauder Football.

From the NFL to the Marauders Sideline

In 2010, the Atlanta Falcons selected Schillinger in the 6th round of the NFL Draft (171st overall), launching a four-year NFL career as a safety with the Falcons and Tennessee Titans.

When his playing career concluded, he moved quickly into coaching:

• Special teams and defensive backs assistant at the University of Nebraska
• Special teams and safeties coach (and pro scout liaison) at his alma mater, the University of Montana
• Recognition from his home state with induction into the Montana Football Hall of Fame

That journey eventually led him to the University of Mary. From his first press conference to the present, his message has been consistent: football is a tool for forming men of character.

“There is so much more to football than x’s and o’s,” Schillinger has often said when describing his philosophy. “When I went to college, under coach Bobby Hauck’s system, I grew up from a boy to a man… My coaches guided me. That made me feel like I wanted to coach… This game has given my family so much. Football is something I don’t know where my life would be without it. That’s the feeling and mindset I want every Marauders football player to experience — in addition to winning.”

Greatness Through Virtue, Season After Season

From the day he took the job, Schillinger embraced the University of Mary’s mission of “Greatness through Virtue” and has worked to weave it into the daily culture of the program.

“I’ve always admired and respected this university from afar and now, by the grace of God, I’m blessed to help impact for the better—along with our football coaches—the lives of young men as part of our athletics-wide efforts to instill ‘Greatness through Virtue,’” he said early in his tenure. “It’s safe to say I was born with football in my blood, a competitive spirit that is second to none, and an exhaustive desire to win. I promise you, we will build winners with strong moral character.”

That commitment is echoed by university leadership. President Monsignor James Shea saw from the outset that Schillinger’s approach fit Mary’s vision:

“Shann eats, sleeps, and breathes football with an unparalleled passion. His objective is to win with the purpose of forming young men of greatness… Shann will do great things and help the Marauders football team achieve our objective of winning championships.”

Incoming executive director of intercollegiate athletics Cooper Jones was similarly confident when Schillinger was selected from nearly 100 applicants—confidence that has only grown as he’s led the program through multiple seasons:

“His experiences coaching in the Big Ten, SEC, and Big Sky conferences were incredibly appealing… and Shann’s deep ties to the region made us feel that he could help us in our quest to win championships and bring ‘Greatness through Virtue’ to the football program at UMary.”

Backed by a Strong Coaching Tree

The respect Schillinger commands extends beyond campus.

Former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher, with 22 years as an NFL head coach and a background as a defensive back, has been one of Schillinger’s closest mentors:

“I’ve followed him through his experiences, including time in the NFL with the Falcons. He’s going to do a lot of good stuff, and he’ll do it right… You’ve got a good man! Shann is approachable, compassionate, and a great listener… He’ll be a great inspiration and role model to the student-athletes… The Marauders are off and running — this will be fun.”

Bobby Hauck, who recruited, coached, and worked alongside Schillinger at Montana, has long believed in what he would bring to a program like Mary:

“What an excellent hire by the University of Mary… He is knowledgeable, a great competitor, and outstanding family man. An all-around good person. I’m excited to watch the trajectory of the football program and the great things that Shann and his staff will do at Mary.”

A Program Alum Can Be Proud Of

Today, Schillinger and his wife Ericka (a Beach, ND, native) are firmly rooted in the region with their three daughters—Lenex, Malloy, and Indie. Football remains a family language: his brother Jace, a former All-American running back at Dickinson State, still holds 12 school records.

On campus, Schillinger has now led the Marauders through multiple spring balls, fall camps, and seasons, putting his stamp on the culture: accountability, effort, and a deep respect for the game and what it can do in a young person’s life.

For Marauder Football Alumni, his leadership offers a clear invitation:

• Reconnect with a program led by a coach who understands winning at every level
• Support a culture that aims at Greatness through Virtue
• Stay involved as the Marauders continue to build something strong under Coach Schillinger’s guidance

The Schillinger era is well underway—and the best chapters for Marauder Football may still be ahead.