About Jim Benick
Jim Benick is a 34 year coaching veteran. He has coached at the International (Finland), NCAA Division III, and high school levels and has coordinated Option Offenses with great success at all levels. During his tenure in Finland (Oulu), Coach Benick installed the no-huddle option into the Northern Lights' offensive system. Within three years Oulu rose from the bottom of the league and became a championship caliber team. While at UW-River Falls, the offensive unit was the National Statistical Champion twice for rushing yards gained in a season. At the high school level, Jim has been recognized for turning losing programs into championship contenders and has coordinated offenses multiple years that averaged over 400 yards and 40 points per game.
Throughout Benick’s career, he has witnessed and implemented the many changes that have occurred with option football from the early 80’s (dominated by Oklahoma), through the 90’s (dominated by Nebraska), and through the early 2000’s. Jim has visited with many high school and college staffs around the country (Including Air Force, Army, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Southern Utah, Northern Illinois, and Oregon State), constantly honing his option knowledge and coaching skills.
Throughout Benick’s career, he has witnessed and implemented the many changes that have occurred with option football from the early 80’s (dominated by Oklahoma), through the 90’s (dominated by Nebraska), and through the early 2000’s. Jim has visited with many high school and college staffs around the country (Including Air Force, Army, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Southern Utah, Northern Illinois, and Oregon State), constantly honing his option knowledge and coaching skills.
Coach Benick's Keys for success in option football:
- Create great team and staff chemistry
- Be physically and mentally tough
- Master the fundamentals (blocking and tackling)
- Focus on simplicity with precise execution
- Develop a complete (k-12) program system
