Bethel University Athletics

Greg Peterson has spent nearly four decades as a student-athlete, coach, administrator, and leader at Bethel University. Named Director of Athletics on January 27, 2021, Peterson officially assumed the role on June 1, 2021, following the retirement of longtime athletic director Bob Bjorklund.

Known affectionately as “Petie,” Peterson has been part of the Bethel community since his playing days and has worked full time at the university since 1997. He began his professional career at Bethel as the Royals' sports information director, assistant football coach, and assistant men's basketball coach. In 2005, he was promoted to assistant athletic director while continuing to serve as an offensive coach for the football program.

Peterson's career has been defined by a commitment to athletic excellence, strong relationships, and the development of student-athletes. During his 29 years on the Bethel football coaching staff, he served as offensive coordinator beginning in 2003 and helped establish one of the most consistently productive offenses in the MIAC. He was named the 2011 AFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year.

Under Peterson's leadership as offensive coordinator, Bethel ranked among the MIAC's top five teams in scoring offense in 16 of 17 seasons, including a conference-best ranking in 2013. The Royals finished in the MIAC's top four in total offense in 13 of 17 seasons and led the conference in rushing four times. Since 2010, Bethel has produced the MIAC's leading rusher, passer, and receiver, along with four MIAC Offensive MVPs. Peterson also coached the two all-time leading rushers in MIAC history.

His connection to Bethel football extends well beyond coaching. Peterson was a four-year starter on the Bethel offense from 1988-91 and also competed as a member of the Bethel basketball team. As a player and coach, he was part of 350 consecutive Bethel football games, including every game of head coach Steve Johnson's tenure.

Since becoming Director of Athletics in 2021, Peterson has overseen a period of significant growth and competitive success across Bethel Athletics. The Royals have won 29 MIAC championships since 2021, produced individual NCAA national champions in track and field, and advanced numerous teams deep into NCAA postseason competition.

Bethel's national standing has risen dramatically during this period. After finishing 157th nationally in the 2016-17 Learfield Directors' Cup standings, Bethel steadily climbed into the national Top 100 and subsequently into the Top 50. Since 2021-22, the Royals have posted five consecutive Top-70 finishes, including a school-record 40th-place finish in 2023-24 and a 46th-place finish in 2025-26. The 2025-26 finish placed Bethel first among MIAC institutions and among the top 11 percent of NCAA Division III athletic departments.

Peterson has also played a significant role in advancing Bethel Athletics' fundraising efforts. He has chaired the Bethel Golf Classic, the department's premier fundraising event, helping the event set a record for net profit following a new format in 2019 while successfully adapting the event to a COVID-friendly format in 2020.

A respected voice in football, Peterson has presented multiple times at the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA) Minnesota Football Clinic and Glazier Clinics. His career reflects a unique combination of experience as a student-athlete, coach, administrator, fundraiser, and athletic director—all within the Bethel community.

Peterson's leadership is rooted in the belief that athletics can be a powerful vehicle for developing Christ-centered leaders and creating opportunities for life transformation. His vision for Bethel Athletics is centered on “Athletic Excellence for Greater Kingdom Impact”—pursuing competitive excellence while helping student-athletes grow academically, relationally, spiritually, and as leaders.

Peterson lives in White Bear Lake with his wife, Alison, and their three children, Gunnar, Wyatt, and Marin.
Last Updated 9/17/2026