Breaking News: Journalism major Carlton Littlejohn found coaching football his true career love

A former North Dakota State University linebacker has returned to his alma mater to take on a coaching role for the defensive line. Carlton Littlejohn, who graduated with a journalism degree, opted for a coaching career over a profession involving multiple perspectives. Encouraged by former teammate and coach Joey Blackmore, Littlejohn initially joined the University of Jamestown as a linebackers coach in 2016. However, he swiftly transitioned to North Dakota State University (NDSU) as a defensive line assistant, fulfilling a long-held aspiration.

Tim Polasek, the new head coach at NDSU, approached Littlejohn when a coaching position opened up due to a staff change. Littlejohn, then at Northern Iowa, found the offer to return home irresistible. Despite being new to coaching the defensive line, Littlejohn sees it as a natural progression in his career and an opportunity to contribute his insights from playing days to the team’s culture.

Littlejohn acknowledges his reliance on the expertise of NDSU’s defensive line coach, Nick Goeser, with whom he shares a playing history. Goeser’s guidance, along with the camaraderie with co-defensive coordinator Grant Olson, offers Littlejohn a supportive environment. His familiarity with Goeser from their playing days and shared recruitment experience with Olson adds to the synergy within the coaching staff.

Regarding the team’s prospects, Littlejohn is optimistic, noting the returning experienced players and the athletic potential of the roster. He brings coaching experience from stints at the University of Sioux Falls and Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he developed under former NDSU player Steve Laqua. Laqua praises Littlejohn’s coaching acumen, highlighting his adaptability and competitive spirit.

In summary, Littlejohn’s return to NDSU as a defensive line coach marks the fulfillment of a career aspiration, supported by his coaching journey and the camaraderie within the coaching staff. His optimism for the team’s future reflects his confidence in the players’ abilities and the coaching staff’s cohesion.