Burbank, IL – St. Laurence High School is excited to announce that Tim Grunhard ‘86 is returning to his alma mater as the Senior Executive for Football Program Development. A distinguished veteran football player and coach, Grunhard brings decades of experience, leadership, and passion for mentorship to the Viking football program.

Grunhard’s football career is extraordinary. After graduating from St. Laurence, he starred at the University of Notre Dame, where he played a pivotal role in the Fighting Irish's 1988 National Championship season. He went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1999. Known for his leadership and toughness on the offensive line, Grunhard was one of the most respected players in the league during his career. In 2021, he was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Honor.

Following his NFL retirement, Grunhard transitioned into coaching, achieving remarkable success. He served as the head coach at Bishop Miege High School in Kansas, where he led the program to a state championship in 2009, ending a 32 year title drought. Grunhard then spent time developing players at the collegiate level, coaching offensive linemen at the University of Kansas, before returning to Bishop Miege and winning five more state championships as the offensive line coach.

In this new part-time role at St. Laurence, Grunhard will focus on mentoring and developing offensive linemen. He will also work closely with the coaching staff to align program goals and ensure player growth across all four years. Additionally, Grunhard will be on campus during the school day, engaging with players, monitoring their development, and offering guidance. He will also assist in school admissions events, provide film breakdown and evaluations, and mentor players on techniques to elevate their game.

“Having Tim Grunhard return to St. Laurence is an incredible opportunity for our football program,” said St. Laurence Vice President for Athletics Tim Chandler. “Tim’s legacy as a player, coach, and mentor speaks for itself, and his commitment to developing our program, and specifically offensive linemen, will have a profound impact on our students and team.”

Grunhard expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: “It’s an honor to return to St. Laurence, a place that shaped me as an athlete and a person. I’m excited to give back to the program and work with our student-athletes to help them grow as players and individuals. The Viking football tradition is something special, and I can’t wait to be part of it again.”