Steed Lobotzke enters his 12th year at Wake Forest and his 10th season as the Deacons' offensive coordinator in 2012. He also tutors the tight ends and fullbacks.
Since his arrival at Wake Forest, the Deacons have gained a reputation of having an unconventional offensive attack that is difficult to contain. The results justify the reputation. In 2011, Lobotzke's offense threw for 3,291 yards - a school record - and also tied with national champion Alabama for the fewest fumbles lost in the nation (4). In overall turnovers lost the Demon Deacons lost just 12, setting a school record and tying for third in the country. Lobotzke also mentored second team All-ACC performer Joe Looney on the offensive line. Looney was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft by San Francisco.
As offensive coordinator, Coach Lobo has presided over an offense that has produced four of the top seven total offense outputs in school history.
As the Deacs' offensive line coach, a position that he filled through 2011, Lobo helped shape center Steve Justice into an NFL draft choice in 2008 and the runner-up for the Rimington Trophy, given annually to the nation's top college center. In 2010, Chris DeGeare was a fifth round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings.
Over the last 10 years, Wake Forest has led the ACC in rushing four times, scored 220 rushing touchdowns and gained 19,893 yards on the ground -- more than 163 yards per game. The Wake Forest offensive line has been key in helping the Deacons rank first or second in the ACC and rank among the top 20 nationally in rushing during five of the last nine seasons. The line has ranked first or second in the league in fewest sacks allowed four times during that span. Wake Forest's rushing totals in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 all rank among the top eight season rushing totals in school history.
In Lobotzke's seven seasons as offensive coordinator, Wake Forest has posted six of the top 14 seasons in school history in terms of offensive production. For the first time in school history, Wake has produced 4,000+ yards of total offense for five consecutive years. In 2009 the Deacons put up 4,841 yards of total offense, the second-highest season total in school history while setting a school record for passing yards in a season.
In 2007, Wake's 71.2 team completion percentage was a school record and ranked second in the nation behind only Texas Tech's 71.3.
In 2005, Lobotzke's offense showcased the talent of running back Chris Barclay. The senior was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year. Barclay was the school's first player of the year since 1979 and graduated as Wake Forest's all-time leading rusher and statistical leader in seven major categories.
Prior to taking over responsibility for the tight ends, Lobotzke coached the offensive line from 2001-11.
A Deacon offensive lineman earned All-ACC honors in nine of 11 years under Lobotzke's watch. He has sent seven offensive linemen to the NFL, including Michael Collins (Baltimore), Blake Henry (Atlanta), Tyson Clabo (Atlanta, Denver and San Diego), Blake Lingruen (Detroit), Joe Looney (San Francisco) and Steve Vallos (Seattle).
In 2007, Justice had one of the most remarkable seasons of any Deacon blocker. Along with being the runner-up for the Rimington Trophy, he earned the ACC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy, was a consensus All-America selection and a first team All-ACC performer. Steve Justice was a sixth round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2008.
Lobotzke was named coordinator in February of 2003 following the departure of Troy Calhoun to the NFL.
Lobotzke came to Wake Forest along with head coach Jim Grobe after serving under Grobe the previous four years at Ohio University. During Lobotzke's four seasons with Ohio, the offensive line paved the way for four of the top five rushing seasons in school history. The 2000 squad finished the year ranked second nationally in rushing offense (323.0 yards per game), leading the Mid-American Conference in rushing for the fifth straight year, and shattering the school record with 3,553 total rushing yards. Ohio's national ranking in rushing offense in 2000 marked the fourth straight year the Bobcats finished among the top 10 in Division I-A.
Like several other members of the Wake Forest coaching staff, Lobotzke's ties with Grobe go back to their days at the Air Force Academy when he was personally recruited by Grobe. The northern California native attended the Academy and lettered on the football team from 1990-91, playing on the offensive line.
As a player, Lobotzke helped lead Air Force to three Liberty Bowl appearances. He earned second team All-Western Athletic Conference honors as a junior and was named to the first team as a senior before being invited to play in the East-West Shrine Football Classic.
After graduating from the Academy in 1992 with a degree in economics, Lobotzke began his coaching career at his alma mater. He served as a graduate assistant in the 1992 and 1993 seasons, helping lead the team to another Liberty Bowl berth in 1992. Following his tour of active military duty, Lobotzke joined the Ohio staff in February 1997.
Lobotzke is married to the former Kristin Hazen of Warren, Ohio. The couple has three daughters: Capri, who turns nine in September, Gia, who was born 12 hours before Wake Forest's Meineke Car Care Bowl win in 2007 and Camille, born Nov. 3, 2009.
The Steed Lobotzke File
Birthdate
June 4, 1970
Birth Place
Landstuhl, Germany
Wife
Kristin
Children
Capri, Gia, Camille
Alma Mater
Air Force Academy, 1992
Degree
B.S. in Economics
Playing Background
Earned two letters in football at the Air Force Academy (1990-91).
