Markell Pete returns for his 3rd season as Minnesota State University Running Backs Coach Pro Liaison for the 2026 season.
A Native of Moreno Valley, California, entering his eleventh year of coaching, after 2025 season marks back-to-back deep post season appearance. Pete, coached the running back unit to 325 carries for 1,655 yards & 21 TDs – Sam Backer lead the way with another 1st Team South Division performance and a Top 10 in the nation with (19 TDs) on the ground.
During the 2024 season as the Running Backs Coach after a remarkable 2024 Division II semifinals Championship run with the mavericks. He coached the outstanding running back trio in Christian Vasser and 2024 NSIC “Newcomer of the Year.” First team all-conference Sam Backer to an historical season for over 1,600 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns combined.
Prior, Pete spent one season as the Running Backs Coach – Pro Liaison for the University of Mary. He also spent three years in a role with the Minnesota Vikings along with being the Offensive Coordinator- Student Life Advisor at DeLaSalle High School and one season at St. Michael-Albertville as the Running Backs Coach.
Pete served as the Running Backs coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Orange County, California, where he coached Orange County’s Player of the Year, Chad Magyar who rushed for over 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns and went on to play college football at UNLV. Times/USA named the league the best high school football league in America.
Following his playing career Coach Pete, received his first collegiate coaching position as the running backs coach at his alma mater Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D. Dickinson State running back duo Jesse Carney and Myron Moore racked up over 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns under his guidance.
Pete later worked at University of North Dakotas as the Recruiting Assistant/Pro Liaison Running Backs Quality Control, working with the kick and punt returners. While in Grand Forks, Pete helped coach All-American running backs John Santiago, who earned first-team All-Big Conference honors and was the league’s freshman of the year. Brady Oliveira earned third-team All-Big Sky honors and All-America accolades. Pete was a part of the University of North Dakota staff who was the Big Sky Conference champion in 2016, receiving a first-round bye & 6th overall seed.
A former fullback, Pete brings experience in coaching and recruiting. Pete graduated from Dickinson State University with a degree in Social Science and a minor in coaching/criminology.
