COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - Saint John's University assistant football coach Kole Heckendorf has been elevated to offensive coordinator, head coach Gary Fasching '81 announced on Wednesday, Aug. 1.

Heckendorf joined SJU's coaching staff when Fasching succeeded John Gagliardi, college football's all-time wins leader and Hall of Fame head coach, prior to the 2013 season.

He replaces Jim Gagliardi '89, who stepped down in February following 26 seasons as an assistant coach to accept a new role within the SJU athletic department. He is currently raising funds to support the continued growth of the SJU football program in honor of his father. Gagliardi is also working on the game-day environment for Johnnies' fans. 

In addition to Heckendorf's promotion, Josh Bungum '16 was also elevated from video coordinator to offensive assistant (running backs) and Michael Orts '09 rejoined the Johnnies to coach quarterbacks. Orts served as an SJU assistant for five seasons from 2012-16 and was the co-offensive coordinator at Division II Minnesota-Crookston in 2017.

Heckendorf played at FCS (formerly Division I-AA) North Dakota State and ended a four-year collegiate career (2005-08) as the Bison's all-time leader in catches (178) and receiving yards (2,732). He signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and later joined four other National Football League organizations: the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts. 

A native of Mosinee, Wis., Heckendorf set a pair of Wisconsin high school records with 116 receptions for 1,714 yards as a junior in 2002. He ended his career as the state's all-time leader in receiving yards (3,831) and touchdowns (36), and is also second in career receptions (235).

Heckendorf's older brother, Keith, is in his fourth season as the quarterbacks coach at Division I North Carolina. He was an All-American quarterback at Division II St. Cloud State from 2000-03.

The Johnnies report to Collegeville on Friday, Aug. 10, with the first practice scheduled for that evening. SJU opens the 2018 season with a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday, Sept. 1, against the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Clemens Stadium, the first of six regular-season home games this fall.