Bluffton University has named Chris Hedden as its next head football coach. 

Hedden brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to Bluffton. Hedden has held various coaching roles at both the collegiate and high school levels.

Most recently, Hedden served as the offensive coordinator at Trine University.

In 2023, he was the offensive coordinator at Ohio Northern University, and before that, he spent four seasons at Bowling Green State University as the offensive run game coordinator.

From 2015-18 Hedden was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Trine. Hedden helped lead the Trine program to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons and a 21-2 overall record.

His experience also includes time as the head coach at Saint Francis de Sales High School in Toledo and an assistant coaching role at Tiffin Calvert High School.

Hedden spent eight years on staff at University of Toledo in a variety of roles including coaching tight ends, offensive line and wide receivers, and also as offensive coordinator, running game coordinator, and graduate assistant. At UT, Hedden helped lead the Rockets to two MAC Championships, three Motor City Bowl appearances and one GMAC Bowl appearance.

Hedden also made collegiate coaching stops at the University of Akron (2009), University of Northern Iowa (1997-2000) and Tiffin University (1995).

Hedden will start his head coaching duties at Bluffton on March 10.

"It is an honor and privilege to lead the Bluffton football program," said Hedden. "I would like to thank Athletic Director James Grandey and the hiring committee for giving me a great opportunity to guide athletes to achieve high success in all areas of life.  I am looking forward to embracing the traditions of Beaver football and connecting with all alumni."

Hedden played two years of collegiate football at Ashland University before earning his Bachelor of Education from Heidelberg in 1994.