Mike Magistrelli wanted to be a head coach someday but did not expect it to happen this soon. Magistrelli has been named the new head football coach at St. Ambrose, replacing Todd Sturdy who took the job of offensive coordinator at Eastern Washington University.
Magistrelli has been the defensive coordinator for the Fighting Bees since 2004. He says it’s a challenge that presented itself, and it was something he had prepared for, although he says he didn’t know it would come so soon.
Magistrelli was a standout quarterback at Coe College and during his first coaching stint was moved to the defensive side of the ball. Magistrelli says that’s one of the best things that happened to him. He says at first he was a fish out of water, but it forced him to learn the defense, and that improved his understanding of the offense.
Magistelli inherits a team that posted a 10-0 record during the 2006 season. He says they have some outstanding players back, but the expectations are very high, and the things they did one year ago don’t matter now. He says every team will be shooting for them this year.
During the last 12 years the Fighting Bees have won five conference titles and advanced to the NAIA playoffs six times. Magistrelli says the school is committed to a quality program. Sturdy was the winningest coach in St. Ambrose history and finished with a record of 85-40.