25 Facts About Jeff Monken

Who is Jeff Monken?

Jeff Monken is a well-known figure in American football, particularly for his role as a head coach. His journey through the sport has been marked by various achievements and interesting facts. Let's dive into some fascinating details about his life and career.

1. Jeff Monken was born on April 15, 1967, in Joliet, Illinois.

2. He comes from a family with a strong football background. His uncle, Bob Monken, was a successful high school football coach.

3. Monken played college football as a wide receiver at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

4. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Hawaii in 1989.

Early Coaching Career

Monken's early coaching career laid the foundation for his future success. He worked under several notable coaches and gained valuable experience.

5. He served as a graduate assistant at Arizona State University from 1991 to 1992.

6. Monken worked as a wide receivers and tight ends coach at Buffalo from 1992 to 1994.

7. He joined the coaching staff at Morton High School in Illinois in 1995, where he coached the defensive backs.

8. Monken then moved to Concordia University in Illinois, serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 1996 to 1997.

Rise to Prominence

Monken's career took a significant turn when he joined the coaching staff at Georgia Southern University. His time there was instrumental in shaping his coaching philosophy.

9. He was hired as the running backs coach at Georgia Southern in 1997.

10. Monken played a crucial role in helping Georgia Southern win two NCAA Division I-AA National Championships in 1999 and 2000.

11. He followed head coach Paul Johnson to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he served as the slotbacks coach from 2002 to 2007.

12. Monken then moved to Georgia Tech with Johnson, working as the special teams coordinator and slotbacks coach from 2008 to 2009.

Head Coaching Career

Monken's head coaching career began at Georgia Southern, where he made a significant impact.

13. He was named the head coach of Georgia Southern in 2010.

14. Under his leadership, Georgia Southern reached the FCS semifinals in his first season.

15. Monken led Georgia Southern to three consecutive FCS semifinal appearances from 2010 to 2012.

16. He was named the Southern Conference Coach of the Year in 2011.

Army West Point

Monken's most notable role has been as the head coach of the Army Black Knights. His tenure at West Point has been marked by several milestones.

17. He was appointed as the head coach of the Army Black Knights in 2014.

18. Monken led Army to its first victory over Navy in 14 years in 2016.

19. He guided Army to an 8-5 record in 2016, their first winning season since 2010.

20. Monken led Army to a 10-3 record in 2017, including a victory in the Armed Forces Bowl.

21. He was named the 2018 George Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year.

Personal Life

Jeff Monken's personal life also offers some interesting insights.

22. He is married to Beth Monken, and they have three daughters: Isabelle, Amelia, and Evangeline.

23. Monken is known for his disciplined and motivational coaching style, which has earned him respect from players and peers alike.

24. He is an avid supporter of military families and often participates in events to honor service members.

25. Monken's leadership and dedication have made him a beloved figure at West Point and in the broader football community.

Final Thoughts on Jeff Monken

Jeff Monken's journey in football is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days as a player to becoming a respected coach, he's shown dedication, resilience, and a knack for turning teams around. His tenure at Army has been marked by significant achievements, including breaking long-standing losing streaks and leading the team to multiple bowl games. Monken's coaching style emphasizes discipline, hard work, and a strong team ethic, which has earned him respect from players and peers alike. His ability to adapt and innovate within the game has kept his teams competitive and motivated. Whether you're a football fan or just someone who appreciates a good success story, Jeff Monken's career offers plenty of lessons in perseverance and leadership. Keep an eye on him; his story is far from over.