Al Hansen enters his 28th season as the University of Sioux Falls' punters and kickers coach in 2026, continuing a remarkable tenure that has spanned nearly three decades and helped shape generations of Cougar special teams standouts.
A fixture within the USF football program, Hansen has established a reputation for developing dependable specialists and maximizing every aspect of the kicking game. Throughout his coaching career, he has mentored five All-American punters and kickers, consistently producing units that play a vital role in the Cougars' success on the field.
During the 2025 season, Hansen once again guided a productive special teams group that complemented one of the NSIC's most explosive offenses. The Cougar kicking unit converted 41 extra points and helped power an offense that averaged 30.6 points per game. In the punting game, USF recorded 35 punts for 1,124 yards, averaging 32.1 yards per punt with a 30.1-yard net average, while consistently providing field-position advantages throughout the season.
In 2024, Hansen helped the Cougars post an 8-3 record and tie for second place in the NSIC standings. The season was highlighted by 13 All-NSIC selections, 15 NSIC All-Academic Team honorees and 20 NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence recipients, further demonstrating the program's commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Hansen's connection to the University of Sioux Falls extends far beyond the sidelines. As a student-athlete in 1987, he earned All-Conference and All-American Honorable Mention recognition after averaging 40.3 yards per punt. A former standout for the Cougars, Hansen has spent decades pouring his passion and experience back into the program, becoming one of the longest-tenured and most respected assistant coaches in University of Sioux Falls football history.
Updated 6/17/2026
