Jacob Cofer joined the coaching staff in 2024 as the Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, specializing in distance events. Bringing a rich pedigree of elite distance running experience and a strong commitment to holistic student-athlete development, Cofer has quickly become a vital asset to the program’s coaching staff.
Since arriving on campus, Cofer’s technical expertise with the distance squads has yielded immediate high-level results. He has guided 6 NAIA All-Americans in Track & Field, consistently elevating his athletes to the national podium.
His impactful leadership and immediate success have been recognized by his peers, earning him three consecutive Heart of America Conference Assistant Coach of the Year honors as the Women's Indoor Track Assistant Coach of the Year in 2025 and 2026 and the Women's Outdoor Track Assistant Coach of the Year in 2026.
Cofer has helped guide the program to multiple conference titles across both the cross country and track and field seasons, cementing a culture of team excellence. With Cofer at the helm of the distance team, the Ravens have won Heart of America Conference Team Titles in Women's Cross Country (2025), Men's Indoor Track & Field (2025), Women's Outdoor Track & Field (2025), and Men's Outdoor Track & Field (2026).
A certified expert in volume and endurance training, Cofer holds the USTFCCCA Endurance Event Specialist Certification.
Before stepping onto the collegiate coaching ranks at Benedictine, Cofer dedicated a year to discerning the priesthood at St. John Vianney Seminary, followed by a year teaching 7th and 8th-grade religion, experiences that deeply inform his approach to mentoring and guiding the spiritual and personal growth of student-athletes.
Prior to transitioning into coaching, Cofer compiled an outstanding competitive resume at Baker University and on the regional marathon circuit. His athletic accolades include being a two-time NAIA Cross Country National Qualifier, three-time NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Qualifier (Marathon), 2024 Olathe Marathon Champion, and 2024 Kansas City Marathon Champion.
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Cofer attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School before earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance from Baker University.
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