Josh Fakkema joined the Red Raider coaching staff in January 2022 as a graduate assistant, after his NWC playing career (2017-20). In February 2023, head coach Matt McCarty promoted Fakkema as the program's next offensive coordinator.
In his first two seasons in the position, Fakkema has coached three NAIA All-Americans, 10 All-GPAC selections, and the 2023 NAIA Player of the Year in Jalyn Gramstad. The Raiders averaged 355.6 yards of offense in 2024 and 423.1 yards per game in 2023. In Northwestern's 2024 regular season finale against Briar Cliff, the offense ran wild, compiling a school-record 531 rushing yards and putting 71 points on the board, the most in a single game since 1978.
Prior to coming back to Northwestern as a graduate assistant, he spent one season (2021) as a graduate assistant coach at Clarion University (Pa.), an NCAA Division II program, as the tight ends coach. Beofre his promotion, he also served as a graduate assistant for the NWC baseball program and head coach Briain Wede.
He was a five-year member of the Red Raider baseball and football programs. As a four year starter for Coach McCarty, he was a three-time All-Conference performer and a team captain in 2020. The 2020 season saw the Red Raiders make a run at the national title, finishing the season as national runners-up.
He was a three-year starter for Coach Wede and the baseball program. On the baseball field, Fakkema carried a career average of .230 with nine home runs and 55 RBIs, including a .348 on-base percentage.
Fakkema's favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9. He notes, "The verse allows you to live your life without any fear because you know God is with you wherever you go."
Fakkema graduated from Northwestern College in May 2021 with a degree in physical education and a minor in health.
updated January 2025
