Colby Kratch has been named the new head coach of the Iowa Central football program.

“We are very excited about Coach Kratch’s vision and philosophy on developing young men within our football program,” said Dr. Jesse Ulrich, ICCC’s president. “We’re excited to welcome him to Iowa Central and looking forward to the success that he builds to build upon the traditions of our program.”

“Colby brings a strong vision for our program, a commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field, and the leadership qualities that align with our tradition of excellence,” said Iowa Central athletic director Guy Horn. “He has been extremely impressive through this entire process.

“We feel he fits the culture of campus and of our athletic department and we believe he is the right person to lead Triton football into its next chapter.”

Kratch replaces Jesse Montalto, who stepped down earlier this month to become the offensive coordinator at Div. I Louisiana-Monroe.

Prior to Iowa Central, Kratch was a long-time Iowa State staff member as their linebacker coach (2024-25), assistant director of player personnel (2018-22), and a graduate assistant in 2017. Kratch spent 2023 as the linebacker coach for North Texas before returning to Iowa State.

Before his arrival in Ames, Kratch spent two years (2015-16) as a graduate assistant at Michigan State, working primarily with the offensive line.

“Coach has some incredible experience to lean on to help carry Iowa Central onto the national stage,” said Horn. “The connections Coach Kratch has with recruiting and other coaches across the midwest will benefit us as we move forward.”

Kratch’s linebacker group in 2024 helped the Cyclone defense allow just 22.9 points per contest. Iowa State gave up fewer than 20 points in six games, tied for the second-most games among Big 12 teams.

Iowa State’s five recruiting classes during Kratch’s initial Cyclone tenure ranked among the nation’s Top 50 according to 247Sports, including the 2022 group which is considered the best recruiting class in school history, as both 247Sports and Rivals listed it in the Top 25 nationally.

In his time at Michigan State, the Spartans won the Big Ten championship, compiled a 12-2 record and qualified for the College Football Playoff in his first season in East Lansing (2015).

“I couldn’t be more excited to take over as the head football coach at Iowa Central,” said Kratch. “There is a rich history of winning football at Iowa Central.

“I’m excited to get to work on building relationships with the players, staff and community.”

A native of Watertown, Minn., Kratch was a three-year letterwinner in football and hockey at Watertown-Mayer High School and was all-conference in football as a senior. Kratch was a two-year letterwinner at tight end for Toledo (2011-12) after playing for North Dakota State College of Science from 2009-2010.

Kratch earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from the University of Toledo in 2013 and was an offensive graduate assistant in 2013 for Matt Campbell’s coaching staff and an offensive intern for the Rockets in 2014.

Kratch and his wife, Taylor, have a daughter, Colbie, and a son, Dash.

Kratch’s father, Bob Kratch, played eight years in the NFL for the New York Giants and New England Patriots and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection at Iowa (1986 and 1988).

“We value student athletes, each and every one of them, as does Coach Kratch. We both feel that every student athlete is equally important to our program,” said Horn. “Coach Kratch brings new excitement to the program and his leadership philosophies and vision align with what we are looking for as an institution.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Kratch and his family into our Triton Family.”