Lance Pedersen

Coach Pedersen is the proud father of Dominic (22), Dakota (18) and Zavier (14).  

Coach Pedersen is in his 10th year as Head Coach of the Mount Vernon Football Program and 33rd year overall. Over the past twenty seasons his teams have compiled a 149-61 (70.9 win %) record.  

In 2023 Coach Pedersen led the Mount Vernon Mustangs to a 9-2 season.  They were the undefeated District Champions and made the quarter finals in class 3A.

In 2022 Coach Pedersen led the Mount Vernon Mustangs to a 12-1 season.  They were the undefeated District Champions and State Runner-up in class 3A.  Coach Pedersen was named IFCA 3A State Coach of the Year as well as CR Gazette area Coach of the Year,

In 2017 Coach Pedersen lead the Mount Vernon Mustangs to a 9-2 season and a back to back District title. 

In 2016 Coach Pedersen led the Mustangs to a 9-3 season and the state semi-finals. 

In 2015 Coach Pedersen led the Mustangs to an 11-3 season and the state title game.  His team finished the season as the state runner-up in class 2A.  

In 2014, Coach Pedersen's first season he led the team to a 6-5 finish where they won their first playoff game in over 10 seasons.  

Before coming to Mount Vernon, Coach Pedersen was Head Coach for the Wilton Beavers. The Wilton Football Program had its first playoff appearance in Coach Pedersen's first year as their coach in 2004. Under his direction, Wilton was an undefeated District Champion three times and made the playoffs eight of his 10 years as head coach.  

Coach Pedersen currently holds the honor of being the winningest coach in Wilton Football History.  

Coach Pedersen brings with him four state championship experiences (three as a coach and one as a player) and has been a coach or player in 39 state play-off games.

Coach Pedersen also has the honor of being the head coach of two super bowl champions, Jack Cochrane 2023 and 2024 and Tristan Wirfs 2021.

Coach Pedersen is also a 5th through 8th grade Wellness instructor. During the summer Coach Pedersen is a drivers education instructor.   Coach Pedersen enjoys spending time with his kids, and loves the outdoors.

It is my pleasure to be the head coach of this football program.  We have amazing young men, a dedicated and close staff, outstanding managers and a supportive community.  Our goal of the program is to make the young men and women we work with better people having been through our program! GET BETTER TODAY

Coach Pedersen's Awards

2024 Inducted into the Cedar County Hall of Fame

2022 IFCA Class 3A State Coach of the Year

2022 Cedar Rapids Gazette Coach of the Year

District Coach of the Year: 2013, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2005

Ed Thomas Award Winner

Board of Director Iowa Football Coaches Association

Ethics/Legislative Chair of the IFCA 2022

2009 SE Iowa District Coach of the Year (Softball)

2008 Iowa Shrine Bowl Assistant Coach

1994 and 2019 Iowa Shrine Bowl Game Day Press box Coach

Coach Pedersen can be contacted via email at lpedersen@mvcsd.org