There will be a new coach patrolling the sidelines in Burbank.
St. Laurence High School announced Tuesday that they have hired Immaculate Conception athletic director Adam Nissen as their new varsity football head coach. Nissen takes over for Harold Blackmon, who was relieved of his duties back on Apr. 1.
"I'm grateful to have this opportunity to lead the St. Laurence football program,” said Coach Nissen. “I want to thank President Joe Martinez, Principal Jim Muting, Athletic Director Tim Chandler and the interview committee for trusting me to lead such a prestigious program into the future. I’m excited to meet the players, parents, faculty and the rest of the St. Laurence football community and hit the ground running.”
Nissen is from nearby Evergreen Park and brings a unique background that combines excellence in academics and athletics to the football program. At IC Catholic Prep, he oversaw all athletic programs – including a football program that won two IHSA State Championships during his tenure. Prior to his time at ICCP, Nissen was an assistant football coach at Mount Carmel High School from 2014-2017, where the team qualified for the state playoffs every season. He was also the assistant head football coach at Urban Prep Academy for Young Men and Roberto Clemente High School from 2009-2014 and 2007-2008, respectively.
Nissen emerged as the top choice for the position after an exhaustive interview process with several highly qualified candidates. Among members of the interview committee were 11-year NFL veteran Tim Grunhard, St. Laurence Board Member and former Northwestern football player Jake Gregus ’09 and Illinois high school football coaching legend Frank Lenti, who currently serves as a special advisor to the St. Laurence football program. Athletic, academic and administrative leaders in the school were also part of the committee.
The Vikings will look to bounce back after a 4-7 campaign last season. That said, the program has been on an upswing recently. St. Laurence made four straight IHSA playoff appearances from 2014-17, including a 5A state semifinal berth in 2015 and a trip to the 6A semis in 2016.