Brett Ekkens has been named the Head Football Coach at Tiffin University. Ekkens has served for the last two seasons as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). Prior to SVSU, he served as the offensive line coach, run game coordinator and head strength and conditioning coach at Indiana Wesleyan University.
“We are thrilled about our next chapter of Tiffin University football with the hiring of head Coach, Brett Ekkens,” said Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher. “After a competitive national search, he rose to the top unanimously. Brett’s experience as a coach, a leader and a professional is exemplary, and we know he and his staff will be great teachers and role models for our students.”
He worked at the University of Akron for five years, two years as a graduate assistant before eventually being promoted to the top spot as the head offensive line coach. He was the youngest offensive line coach in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) upon his hire on Terry Bowden’s staff as well as the fourth youngest coach in FBS at age 26. In addition, he served as Akron’s recruiting coordinator. While at Akron, Ekkens helped lead the team to a 2017 Mid-American Conference East Championship, including a victory over Northwestern University, a trip to the Boca Raton Bowl and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Prior to Akron, Ekkens coached at the University of Mt. Union and served as the offensive line coach and head strength coach. He was part of the 2012 Mt. Union National Championship Team and was a runner-up in 2013. He played his college ball at Mt. Union and started at center for four years. In addition, he was an All-American and a Rimington Award Winner while at Mt. Union. He appeared in four Consecutive National Championship games as a player and won one in 2008. His record at Mt. Union as a player was 57-3.
He has a bachelor’s degree in physical and health education and a master’s degree in sport science and coaching administration. Ekkens and his wife, Sophia, were married in June 2016.
“I would like to thank Dr. Schumacher, the Board of Trustees, Kelly Daniel and the rest of the Tiffin University community for the opportunity to be the next head football coach,” said Ekkens. “It is a distinct honor and privilege to serve Dragon Nation. I am excited to honor the rich football tradition that has been earned here and will work hard to continue to move this program forward.”