Tobin O’Brien is entering his sixth season as offensive line coach for the Dickinson State University football program. A former Blue Hawk standout and now a key member of the coaching staff, O’Brien has played an integral role in the continued success of DSU football—both on the field and in the trenches.
A native of Billings, Montana, O’Brien has been part of 10 NSAA conference championship teams at Dickinson State—five as a player (2015–2019) and five as a coach (2020–2024). As an offensive lineman, he helped lead the Blue Hawks to five straight NAIA playoff appearances, including a run to the national quarterfinals in 2018. During that span, the team compiled a dominant 24–1 record at home and O’Brien served as a member of the program’s leadership council.
Since transitioning to coaching in 2020, O’Brien has developed one of the most consistent and decorated offensive line units in the NAIA. He has coached four All-Americans and 19 All-Conference selections during his tenure. In 2021, he mentored center Matt Dey, who was named the Rimington Award winner as the top center in the NAIA and became a two-time All-American. In 2023 and 2024, he coached Nathaniel Woodruff, who earned back-to-back All-American honors and was named the NSAA’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman both seasons.
O’Brien holds a master’s degree in sports administration and leadership from Dickinson State University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education with minors in exercise science and coaching, all from DSU.
