Isiah Dunning most recently concluded his second year as the defensive line coach at Grand Valley State, coaching a unit that was among the best in country. Dunning, who was a standout defensive lineman for GVSU from 2011-14, had coaching stints at Findlay, Muskingum, Notre Dame College, Saginaw Valley State and Miami University.
The Lakers' 2024 defensive line was once again one of the top units in the country, evidenced by three players (Jack Gilchrist, Niles King and Thomas Jolly) earning All-GLIAC honors. The top six defensive linemen tallied 197 tackles, 34.0 tackles for loss, 18.5 quarterback sacks, while also being a key component in the Lakers' holding opponents to 265.3 yards per game in total offense.
His 2023 GVSU defensive line was one of the best in the country with defensive end Christian McCarroll earning consensus All-America honors and being tabbed as the GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year. The Lakers tallied five All-GLIAC honors on the defensive line, including three first-team selections in McCarroll, Colton Hyble and Niles King. The defensive line played a key role in Laker defense that ranked among the national leaders in virtually ever category, including tackles for loss (95) and quarterback sacks (51).
Dunning was a graduate assistant at Miami University (Ohio) where he worked with the defensive line for two seasons. In addition, Dunning helped break down the opponent's run game and pass protection, while also coordinating the offensive scout team meetings and assisting with all functions surrounding recruiting. The Redhawks recorded 29 sacks in 2018 and had one all-conference selection in Doug Costin. The year prior, Ikeem Allen was tabbed all-league.
Dunning has professional experiences with the Dallas Cowboys (2015 Mini-Camp), the Cleveland Gladiators (AFL – 2016), and the Bismarck Bucks (CIF – 2017).
A four-year varsity letterwinner at Grand Valley State, Dunning was named the GVSU Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2013 and was a pre-season All-American in 2014. Dunning tallied 144 combined tackles during his career, including 22.0 tackles for loss (-80) and 7.5 QB sacks (-55). He recorded 65 tackles as a junior in 2013 en route to earning All-GLIAC honors, followed by a 62-tackle campaign in 2014. Dunning received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education with an emphasis on sport leadership at Grand Valley State.
