North Park University Athletics

A fifth-year Vikings’ assistant, Gary Butler returns this season as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Butler began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at California University in Pennsylvania where the Vulcans made an appearance in the national semifinals (Division II) in 2008. Butler also played and was the defensive player of the year in the PSAC in 2007 where he was a key player on the 13-1 team who also made it to the National Semifinals. As a linebacker, Butler ranked among the nation leaders in sacks in 2007. After college, Butler signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and played 10 games with in the CFL with the BC Lions. Between 2011-15 he was a player in the Arena League, most recently playing in the Arena Bowl for the Cleveland Gladiators.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Butler graduated from Langley High School. In 2007, he received his B.S. in Liberal Studies from California University (Pa.).