Michael Richard Mayerske (September 24, 1942 – October 28, 2022)^[1] was an American football coach. He was the 11th head football coach at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving as interim head coach in 1984, and compiling a record of 5–4.^[2][3]

A native of Pennsylvania, Mayerske played high school football for Redstone High School from 1957 to 1960. After graduating, he received a scholarship in track and football from Coffeyville Junior College in Kansas.^[4] In September 1962, Mayerske ranked fifth in the nation for junior colleges in rushing.^[5] He transferred to Kansas State University of Pittsburg in 1963, and was an all-conference running back with the team.^[3]

After graduating, Mayerske accepted a coaching position at St. Joseph High School as track coach and assistant football coach.^[4] He left for Marian High School in 1970, and was named head football coach at Concord High School in 1972.^[6] When he joined Concord, the school was in a 23-game losing streak. He coached them for five years, and led them to a winning record in each season.^[7] At Concord, he was also assistant dean of students, a physical education teacher, track coach, and supervisor of the intramural program.^[8]

He was named head coach at Columbus High School in 1977.^[7] He remained with the team for five years, before being fired in 1981 after a locker room incident in which he reportedly injured a student.^[9] In 1983, after being out of coaching for a year, he was hired by his alma mater, Pittsburg State University, as an assistant coach.^[3] He was named offensive coordinator in January 1984, but was promoted to head coach after they did not renew the contract of Bruce Polen.^[3][10] He returned to the team in 1985 as defensive secondary coach after compiling a 5–4 record as head coach, and retired the following year.^[11]

Mayerske married Kaylene Gay Banzet in August 1963 at Coffeyville, Kansas.^[12]

Mayerske passed away on October 28, 2022 at the age of 80.^[13]