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| Brian Polian left coaching to come to John Carroll as athletic director. Turns out, leaving coaching didn't last long. John Carroll athletics photo |
The next head football coach at John Carroll University is an internal hire with elite credentials.
Brian Polian, a 1997 John Carroll graduate, will be the 21st head football coach for the Blue Streaks entering the 104th season of John Carroll football. Polian will continue to serve in his role as Vice President for Athletics.
Polian replaces Jeff Behrman, who left to become head coach at Division I FCS Bucknell earlier this month.
"When I approached Brian about this opportunity, I knew his exceptional leadership of the John Carroll Athletic Department and his deep commitment to our Jesuit values made his appointment as head football coach a natural next step for the University," said President Al Miciak. "I'm confident that he will continue our program's momentum while ensuring our student-athletes' growth academically, personally, and competitively."
Polian brings more than 25 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience to the role, including four seasons as head coach at the University of Nevada. He also served as special teams coordinator at Notre Dame, Stanford, and LSU, among other stops. Polian has been recognized as one of the top recruiters in the country across multiple seasons and by numerous media outlets, including ESPN and Rivals.
"Returning to John Carroll three years ago felt like coming home. Stepping back onto the field now, feels like a dream come true," said Polian. "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. The next step on our journey towards national excellence begins today and it begins together."
Over the last three years, Polian has provided strong leadership of the John Carroll athletic department. His accomplishments include guiding the school's transition to the North Coast Athletic Conference, adding field hockey as John Carroll's 25th varsity sport (beginning varsity competition this fall), spearheading the development of the David Rastoka Athletic Hall of Fame in the new Athletic, Wellness & Event (AWE) Center, overseeing the completion of the turfing of Schweickert & Bracken Field, and more.
In conjunction with this news, Dejan Mladenovic has been promoted to senior deputy athletic director. He will handle additional administrative responsibilities in addition to remaining the men's soccer head coach. Mladenovic has spent his entire 20-year career at John Carroll. Over the past year, in his role as assistant athletic director for special projects, he enhanced the efficiency of the recruiting process through close collaboration with the admissions department, supported the advancement office in fundraising initiatives, and partnered with Polian on key strategic projects.
Polian will assume the reins of a program coming off of a historic season. The Blue Streaks won the NCAC Championship and reached the 2025 NCAA Division III semifinals, which is just the third time JCU reached the final four in program history. Along the way, JCU notched a historic win vs. No. 2 Mount Union in Alliance. With assistance from a dedicated alumni base and the Gridiron Club, Polian aims to establish JCU Football as a consistent contender for national championships.
Polian is well-acquainted with today's student-athletes, authoring a book titled, "Coaching Generation Z: Honor the Relationships." Polian has done extensive public speaking to organizations about Gen Z.
Polian's college football coaching resume is quite extensive. The Buffalo native's last stop was at Louisiana State University, where he served as special teams coordinator in 2022 before transitioning to associate athletics director and general manager. Previously, Polian served as the special teams coordinator at the University of Notre Dame from 2017-21. He coached the all-time leading scorers in the history of both Notre Dame (Justin Yoon) and LSU (Damien Ramos).
From 2013-17, Polian guided Nevada as head football coach. Polian coached the Wolfpack to two bowl games and two victories over Power 5 opponents. He coached three future NFL players (including Browns guard Joel Bitonio and Panthers center Austin Corbett) and three future CFL players. As the head coach, he steered the Wolf Pack Football program to a perfect 1,000 APR score during the 2016-17 academic year, the only team in the Group of Five to accomplish the feat in that season.
Polian worked his way up the coaching ranks after starting his career in 1997 at Michigan State under the legendary Nick Saban. Polian spent stints at the University of Buffalo 1998; 2001-03), Baylor University (1999-2000), University of Central Florida (2004), Stanford University (2010-11), and Texas A&M (2012). Before heading to Nevada, Polian worked as the Special Teams Coordinator at Notre Dame from 2005-09.
A football legacy, Brian's father, Bill, gained induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. Brian's brother, Chris, a 1993 John Carroll grad, works for the Cleveland Browns as special assistant to the general manager.
Polian graduated from JCU in 1997 with a B.A. in History following a four-year stint on the JCU football team. The linebacker earned All-OAC second team honors in 1996 playing alongside College Football Hall of Famer London Fletcher. Polian graduated from St. Francis High School in Buffalo. Polian and his wife, Laura, have two children.
Polian begins his role as head football coach immediately as the Blue Streaks look to build on the momentum from a program-best 12 win season in 2025.
"At John Carroll, athletics play an important role in forming leaders of character," said 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."
Polian will be introduced as the next head football coach during a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 3 pm on JCU's campus in the Athletic, Wellness & Event Center Meeting Room, with a live stream on JCUSports.com/live.
What They're Saying
"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! Congratulations to Brian and his family!"
— Tom Arth '03: Quarterbacks Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers; D3football.com All-American; Former JCU head football coach; JCU Athletic Hall of Fame Quarterback
"As an alumni and former football player. I am extremely excited about Brian Polian being our new Head Football Coach. I personally witnessed Brian's strong leadership skills and his deep love for our school. Brian's extensive coaching background is beyond impressive, and he fully understands firsthand the tradition, pride, and commitment to excellence that has defined our program since 1920. John Carroll Football has long been built on a winning culture and has a very strong alumni base, and we are confident Coach Polian will honor that legacy while leading the program forward. We look forward to the continued success of Blue Streak Football under his leadership."
—Dave Rastoka '90: Athletic Hall of Fame Benefactor; Gridiron Club Secretary; JCU Athletic Hall of Fame Linebacker
"We are thankful for the current state of JCU football! Brian has been essential in positioning JCU into the new conference and providing the resources needed for the new heights we are seeking. Brian has the true JCU spirit in pursuit of winning a national championship and having him as our head coach will truly give us a chance to build another step into what our football program can ultimately become. His wealth of experience and leadership at the highest level of college football is exactly what JCU football needs. Good luck to Coach Polian as he leads our Alma Mater! Go Streaks!"
—Frank Ross '10: Special Teams Coordinator, Houston Texans; JCU Athletic Hall of Fame Wide Receiver
"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! Go Streaks!"
—Dave Ziegler '00, '07G: Assistant General Manager, Tennessee Titans; D3football.com All-American; JCU Athletic Hall of Fame WR/Return specialist