Shafer joined the Concordia football staff as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in March of 2014 after three years as offensive line coach at Northern State University, a Northern Sun (NSIC) member. He had also spent 10 seasons as an offensive assistant at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS).
In addition to his coaching duties, Shafer is also the recruiting coordinator for Concordia football.
In his first year leading the Concordia offense and offensive line, the Golden Bears controlled the ball well with a staggering 33:33 average time of possession per game, ranking 12th in Division II football. Additionally, the group up front ranked 25th in fewest tackles for loss per game (5.18) and 30th in fewest sacks allowed (1.27) while Concordia's three starting quarterbacks combined for only nine interceptions. The running game was also working for Shafer's offense as the team rolled up five 200-plus yard rushing games and a pair of 300-plus yard performances.
While at Northern State, the Wolves finished 4-2, 5-2 and 3-4 in the NSIC North Division in his three years as he coached six All-NSIC offensive linemen.
Shafer's experience at NDSCS grew from an offensive assistant to five years as offensive coordinator before being named assistant head coach for the Wildcats in his final four seasons with the program. While with the Wildcats, Shafer worked with the special teams, wide receivers, quarterbacks & running backs, offensive line and passing game coordinator before earning the offensive coordinator position.
In his final season with the Wildcats in 2010, the offense ranked 23rd in the nation under Shafer as it racked up 371.4 yards per game while averaging 6.0 yards per play and 33.9 points per game.
In Shafer's four years as assistant head coach at NDSCS, he developed 10 players into Division I signees. He coached or recruited nine All-Americans and 42 All-Region players in his tenure at NDSCS.
The Bismarck, N.D. native played collegiately at North Dakota State University and the University of Mary. While at U-Mary, Shafer was an All-Conference running back before graduating in 1999. He also earned a master's degree from NDSU in 2007.
Mike and his wife Jennifer have one son, Payton.
