Eric Haecker joined the coaching staff at Tiffin University in June 2026 after gaining valuable Division I coaching experience as an Assistant Coach and Goalkeeping Coach at Cleveland State University. During his time with the Vikings, Haecker was responsible for goalkeeper development, training session planning, opponent scouting, film analysis, recruiting, player development, and team operations.
At Cleveland State, Haecker helped establish a culture focused on player development, accountability, and student-athlete success. He utilized advanced scouting and performance tools, including Wyscout, Spideo, Firstbeat performance analytics, and Teamworks, to support training preparation, match analysis, and individualized player development. Haecker played an important role in recruiting efforts, helping identify and develop future student-athletes while contributing to the continued growth of the program.
Prior to Cleveland State, Haecker served as an Assistant Coach at Defiance College, where he worked with goalkeepers, assisted with training sessions, scouting, recruiting, and daily program operations. He also served as Interim Head Coach, gaining experience leading a collegiate program through training, match preparation, and team management.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Haecker has developed a strong background in youth development through his work with competitive club programs. He has coached within the top levels of youth soccer, including ECNL and GLA teams with Cleveland Force Soccer Club and Pacesetter Soccer Club. Through these roles, Haecker has worked with high-level players focused on long-term development and collegiate opportunities, providing technical training, goalkeeper development, tactical instruction, and individualized feedback. His club coaching experience has allowed him to mentor athletes across multiple age groups while helping players improve their confidence, decision-making, and understanding of the game.
Haecker specializes in goalkeeper development, defensive organization, player evaluation, and creating environments that challenge athletes to reach their full potential. His coaching philosophy focuses on building a positive, demanding, and inclusive culture where student-athletes are empowered to achieve their goals academically, personally, and competitively.
A Cleveland-area native, Haecker is passionate about developing players, mentoring student-athletes, and helping individuals reach their full potential both on and off the field.
