PAINESVILLE, Ohio – Lake Erie College Athletics announced today that Demir Boldin has been officially named the fifth head coach in Storm Football program history. Boldin was previously named interim head coach on Nov. 22.
"I am honored to name Demir Boldin as the next leader of the Storm Football Team," says Molly Hoffman, Director of Athletics at Lake Erie College. "He brings a wealth of knowledge from both his playing and coaching career. His coaching and student-athlete development philosophies are in line with the mission and vision statements of the athletic department. He will be a tremendous leader and keep our program moving forward."
"Coach Boldin has been incredibly impressive during his interim role," says Dr. Brian Posler, President of Lake Erie College. " It is clear that he is the leader our team needs to continue the recent momentum for our program."
An integral part of the Storm's success this season, Boldin helped lead the Storm to an improved 5-6 record as the Wide Receivers Coach and Co-Special Teams Coordinator in his first season with the program.
"It is an honor to be named the next head football coach at Lake Erie College," says Boldin. "This is a special place of higher education that my family and I embrace. The faculty and staff have been welcoming since my first day here. The best is yet to come. Wake Up Greatness, Time To Work!"
Boldin, a former standout wide receiver at Wake Forest University signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and later played a season with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. After his playing career was over, Boldin became an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers and later the head coach for his high school alma mater, Pahokee High School, compiling an 8-10 record in his two seasons, including a trip to the Class 1A state semifinals in 2019.
Boldin enters this new position having earned high praise from many well-respected coaches and colleagues throughout his career. Praises from Jim Harbaugh, Jim Grobe, Ed Donatell, and more are just one testament to Boldin's leadership and work ethic.
"DJ is ready and prepared for this head coaching opportunity. You are getting a coach rooted and driven in the foundation of Faith, Family, and Football. During our time together in San Francisco, DJ stood out in his ability to teach and mentor young men. He had a strong desire and passion for developing a player's on-field performance while helping them make a positive impact in the community. Over the years, we have maintained a close relationship, and I am always impressed with DJ's enthusiasm to grow as a coach and his dedication and commitment to make his players and the team better. DJ, his wife Sasha, and their children, Madison and Dallas, will be outstanding representatives of Lake Erie College. I look forward to seeing DJ's leadership elevate the program to new heights."
- Jim Harbaugh - Head Football Coach, University of Michigan
"Demir Boldin is one of the finest players I have coached and I'm so excited to continue following his coaching career. He will be a great role model for his team as his work ethic, character, and love for the game are admired by all. I'm so proud that he has chosen a career in coaching and look forward to great things from his team, both on and off the field."
- Jim Grobe - Former Head Football Coach, Wake Forest University
"You are very fortunate to have DJ Boldin as your new Head coach. He is an extraordinary team player that leads by example. He has a great way of connecting with young men and will be very instrumental building your program."
- Ed Donatell - Defensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos
"I have been Blessed to be a part of DJ's journey as a player who always came prepared and ready to work. Now to see him as a coach, a husband, a father, and as a leader of young men. The program at Lake Erie College is in great hands because of DJ's work ethic and his willingness to make sure that his players reach their goals and dreams while playing the great sport of football and competing for Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championships in the future."
- Kevin Sherman, Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers Coach, Murray State University
"D.J. brings an accomplished resume to Lake Erie College football program. He will develop strong relationships with his players, coaches, administrators, donors, campus leadership, and alumni. His NFL, CFL, College, and High School coaching experience will help him build a successful program for the Storm. He is a man of high character and will bring strategic and visionary leadership as the New Head Coach at Lake Erie College."
- Dwight Lewis - Associate Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Development/Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Wake Forest University Athletics
"I have had the pleasure of observing Coach Boldin at the various levels of coaching. He is a player's coach. That term has several meanings, but in this case, I mean he is a coach that knows how and shows how. He is the type of leader whose players will want to follow because no one wants to follow someone who doesn't know where he is going. Coach Boldin has a proven approach that will result in many future accolades for the Storm.
President Regan once said, "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest thing. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." You have this in Coach Boldin."
- Chris Landers - President/CEO of Veritas Healthcare Group
Congratulations DJ! Rage On!
