John Carroll University has named Brian Polian, who has been the school's athletic director the past three years, as its next head football coach. Polian, a JCU graduate, has been head coach at Nevada, and has been an assistant at Notre Dame, LSU and Stanford. He takes over from Jeff Behrman, who was recently hired by Bucknell.
John Carroll University Athletic Director Brian Polian will now have the double duty of also serving as Blue Streaks' head football coach.UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Brian Polian, who has been serving as John Carroll University’s athletic director, has been named the school’s next head football coach.
Polian takes the reigns as the 21st coach in the program’s history from Jeff Behrman, who left this month to become coach at Division I Bucknell University., culminating in 2025 with a North Coast Athletic Conference championship and the school’s third-ever trip to the Division III semifinals. In that seminal game, JCU was defeated by top-seeded North Central College after playoff wins over Randolph-Macon, Mount Union, and Berry College. At JCU, Behrman compiled a 29-7 record. Polian brings with him more than 25 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience. He was previously head coach at the University of Nevada, and has been recognized by ESPN and Rivals as one of the top recruiters in the country. He is also part of a storied football family, as he is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Polian.At Nevada, from 2013-16, Polain’s teams went 23-27, with a bowl win over Arizona. A 1997 JCU graduate, Polian has been the school’s athletic director the past three years, a position he will continue to hold. “Brian Polian’s exceptional leadership of the John Carroll Athletic Department and his deep commitment to our Jesuit values make his appointment as head football coach a natural next step for the University,” said JCU President Al Miciak, in a release. “I’m confident that he will continue our program’s momentum while ensuring our student-athletes’ growth academically, personally, and competitively.” Polian was officially introduced as the next JCU football coach during a press conference held Wednesday afternoon at the University’s new Athletic, Wellness & Event Center. “Returning to John Carroll three years ago felt like coming home,” Polian said. “Stepping back onto the field now feels like a dream come true. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for the trust placed in me to lead this prestigious program. John Carroll University and Blue Streak football are rising -- driven by our mission, our people, and our shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.As athletic director, Polian has guided the University’s transition to the North Coast Athletic Conference ; initiated the addition of field hockey as John Carroll’s 25th varsity sport ; and spearheaded capital projects, including the David Rastoka Athletic Hall of Fame, and the turfing of Schweickert & Bracken Field. The JCU release states that, “with assistance from a dedicated alumni base and the Gridiron Club, Polian aims to establish JCU Football as a consistent contender for national championships.” As a teacher and coach, Polian shared his insights on fostering meaningful connections with today’s students in his book, “Coaching Generation Z: Honor the Relationships,” and via speaking engagements across the country. “At John Carroll, athletics play an important role in forming leaders of character,” said JCU President-elect Carolyn Noll Sorg. “Brian’s commitment to students and experience with football at the highest levels will resonate with student-athletes seeking a premier education paired with elite competition.”John Carroll graduates have, over the years, gained prominence in several positions within the NFL. Tom Arth, Class of ‘03 and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach, said of Polian’s hiring, “This is an exciting time for John Carroll football and I am thrilled to see Brian named as the next leader of our program. “Brian’s exceptional experience as a head coach and coordinator at the highest levels of college football, his understanding and passion for John Carroll University, and his love and commitment to our football program will position him uniquely well to build on our tradition and lead our team to even greater heights.” JCU graduate Dave Ziegler, who is the Tennessee Titans assistant general manager, commented, “I could not be more excited to hear the news of Brian Polian being named the next head football coach of John Carroll University. “A true Man of Carroll with an incredible football pedigree. This a huge win for the University and the football program. Brian’s passion for JCU, combined with a high football IQ and his experience of building football programs at the highest levels of college football makes this a home-run hire.” As part of JCU’s athletic leadership structure, Dejan Mladenovic, Class of ’06, John Carroll’s head men’s soccer coach, will also assume an expanded role as Senior Deputy Athletic Director, continuing in his coaching position while supporting department-wide operations.
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