MSCC Class of 2012

James Dobson

Associate Director of Performance, University of Nebraska

James Dobson is now in his 15th year as a strength and conditioning coach and his 5th as the Director of Football Strength and Conditioning at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

A native of Mt. Vernon, Wisconsin, James attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and that is where he became involved in the strength and conditioning profession. He worked as a student assistant with the Badger football team for three seasons and earned his B.S degree in kinesiology in 1996. James then followed the natural progression of a coach by obtaining a graduate assistant position, followed by his first full-time position, at Southern Methodist University. During his two years at SMU, James worked with the football, basketball, volleyball, track, swimming, and soccer teams. He was fortunate enough to work with some of the best athletes in the world, helping train three Olympic medalists during his time there.

In January of 1999, James was hired by the University of Iowa, where he spent nine years as an assistant under the direction and tutelage of Chris Doyle. During that time, he was part of one of the most successful periods in Hawkeye football history, winning Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004. Many All-Americans, national award winners, and professional draft picks were developed in the Hawkeye football program during that time.

James then joined the Nebraska football staff in January of 2008 as Director of Strength and Conditioning for football. The Nebraska football program has continued its tradition of success, competing in conference championships, post-season bowl games, and developing national award winners and professional draft picks, during Coach Dobson's tenure. He feels his greatest accomplishment has been developing solid relationships with the athletes he has coached. Most evident is his relationship with Ndamukong Suh, a Heisman finalist and the most decorated collegiate defensive lineman in nearly two decades. Upon completing his career at Nebraska, Suh donated $2 million dollars to the strength and conditioning department at Nebraska.

James and his wife, Becca, are parents of son, Colton, and daughter, Ellie.