On November 14, 2015, Ron Ernst became the all-time winningest coach in Midwest Conference history with the 160th victory of his career. He is also the winningest coach in program history, winning 83 more games than the next-highest total. After 32 years at the helm, Ernst coached his last game on November 11, 2022 beating Lawrence University 82-0.Â
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In addition to his football duties, Ernst also serves as a professor in the Department of Exercise Science and assistant athletic director. He and his wife Janet have three sons; Tim ’05, married to the former Katie Ellenbecker ’04, Bryan, married to the former Lesley McConnell ’08, and John ’12, married to the former Jenna Krenz, and eight grandchildren. Ernst is excited to spend more time with his family in retirement.Â
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| COACHING BACKGROUND |
| 1991-Present                          |
The 2021 football season is Coach Ernst's 31st as Head Coach of the Red Hawks. His 178-110 career record makes him the all-time winningest football coach in Midwest Conference and Ripon College history. |
| 1989-1990 |
Defensive line coach at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo. The Golden Bears qualified for the NCAA Division-II National Playoffs. |
| 1986-1988 |
Head football coach at Greeley Central High School in Greeley, Colo. Ernst took over a program that had not had a winning season in more than 20 years. By his second year, the Wildcats were Northern Conference Champions, finishing the season in the state semi-final playoffs. |
| 1982-1985 |
Head football coach at Fort Calhoun High School in Fort Calhoun, Neb. Ernst took over a program that had never had a winning season in the school's history. By his third season, the Pioneers had won a conference championship, qualified for the state playoffs and were ranked eighth in the state classification C-2. |
| 1980-1981 |
Head football coach at Osceola High School in Osceola, Neb. Ernst took over a program that was in disarray. By his second season, the Bulldogs had won a conference championship and were ranked third in the region. |
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| COACHING AWARDS AND POSITIONS HELD |
| Currently      |
Wisconsin State Private College Representative to WFCA |
| Currently |
AFCA Chair Summer Manual Committee |
| Currently |
Midwest Conference representative to NCAA Advisory Council |
| 2010 |
Wisconsin Private College Football Coach of the Year |
| 2009 |
Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) Hall of Fame inductee |
| 2008 |
Wisconsin Private College Football Coach of the Year |
| 2006 |
Ripon College Hall of Fame inductee |
| 2001 |
Wisconsin Private College Football Coach of the Year |
| 1996 |
Midwest Conference Coach of the Year |
| 1995 |
AFCA Division-III Region V Coach of the Year |
| 1987 |
Denver Post AAA Coach of the Year |
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| YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORD AT RIPON COLLEGE |
| Year |
Record |
Division Finish |
MWC Finish |
| 1991 |
5-4 |
Third |
|
| 1992 |
5-4 |
Fourth |
|
| 1993 |
5-4 |
Third |
|
| 1994 |
4-5 |
Fourth |
|
| 1995 |
8-2 |
First |
Second |
| 1996 |
9-1 |
First |
First |
| 1997 |
6-3 |
First |
|
| 1998 |
7-3 |
|
Second |
| 1999 |
6-4 |
|
Third |
| 2000 |
9-1 |
|
Second |
| 2001 |
8-2 |
|
First |
| 2002 |
7-3 |
|
Third |
| 2003 |
6-4 |
|
Fourth |
| 2004 |
5-5 |
|
Sixth |
| 2005 |
6-4 |
|
Fourth (tie) |
| 2006 |
7-3 |
|
Second (tie) |
| 2007 |
7-3 |
|
Second (tie) |
| 2008 |
8-2 |
|
Second |
| 2009 |
7-3 |
|
Third |
| 2010 |
7-3 |
|
Second (tie) |
| 2011 |
6-4 |
|
Fifth |
| 2012 |
5-5 |
|
Fifth (tie) |
| 2013 |
7-3 |
|
Fifth |
| 2014 |
3-7 |
Fourth |
|
| 2015 |
7-3 |
Third |
|
| 2016 |
2-8 |
|
Ninth (tie) |
| 2017 |
5-5 |
Second (tie) |
|
| 2018 |
7-3 |
Third |
|
| 2019 |
4-6 |
Third |
|
| 2020-21 |
0-3 |
N/A (COVID-shortened season) |
N/A |
| 2021 |
6-3 |
|
Fourth |
