Cade Sortino joined the Illinois College football coaching staff in 2026 as an assistant coach working with the defensive line, bringing experience in defensive coaching, video operations, recruiting, and player development at both the NAIA and collegiate levels.
Sortino arrives on the Hilltop after serving as Interim/Assistant Defensive Line Coach and Co-Video Coordinator at Midland University. In this role, he directed the development of the defensive line, led position meetings and installations, monitored academic progress, and coordinated scout team preparation. He also assisted the defensive coordinator on game days by identifying pass protections, evaluating front-six alignments from the press box, and assisting with clock management.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Sortino oversaw Midland's video operations, filmed practices and games, produced highlight videos, managed the HUDL film exchange, and utilized DJI drone technology for practice filming. He also played a key role in defensive game planning by creating scouting reports, conducting opponent and self-scout analysis, breaking down game film, and preparing weekly game plan materials for coaches and players.
Sortino was actively involved in the recruiting process, building relationships with high school and junior college coaches, communicating with prospective student-athletes, and organizing official campus visits.
Prior to his stint at Midland, Sortino served as a defensive student assistant coach at Dakota State University following a four-year playing career with the Trojans. As a student assistant, he was responsible for opponent breakdowns, practice scripting, scouting reports, defensive analytics, charting plays during games, and coordinating logistics for coaches on road trips. He also facilitated scout team operations and assisted with audiovisual support for position meetings.
While at Midland, Sortino helped mentor standout student-athletes, including GPAC All-Conference selections Gabe Van Winkle and Dane Christensen. He also taught a semester-long Theory of Coaching course and volunteered with Dakota State youth football and strength and conditioning camps.
A native of Omaha, Neb., Sortino earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Dakota State University in 2023. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Administration and Leadership from Midland University and holds Nebraska K-12 Physical Education teaching certification.
