Jacob Pardonnet is in his first season on the Cardinal Football Coaching Staff. Pardonnet comes to SVSU after four seasons as the Defensive Coordinator at his alma mater, Hope College, where he led the Flying Dutchmen to consecutive top-20 finishes over the last two years. In 2025, Hope ranked seventh in NCAA Division III rush defense, allowing only 62.7 yards per game, 15th in scoring defense (14.5 points per game), and 20th in total defense (257.0 yards per game). Under his guidance, Hope achieved a 9-2 record and qualified for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons—the first time in program history. During his tenure, Pardonnet coached five All-America selections and 18 all-conference players. He also spent three seasons coaching at NCAA Division I Bryant University before returning to Hope. Pardonnet was a three-year starter at Hope, earned all-conference honors twice, and served as a team captain his senior year.

"Coach Pardonnet is a relationship-driven coach who brings tremendous pride, integrity, and toughness to the way he leads a defense," said SVSU Head Football Coach Michael Engle. "His track record at Hope shows his ability to develop players, build trust, and create a unit that plays fast, physical, and connected. He cares deeply about his players as people, holds them to a high standard, and understands how to build a defensive culture that families can believe in, and players can thrive in."