Brett Ekkens (ECK-ins) was hired as Arizona's offensive quality control coach on 2/20/26 after spending the past two seasons (2024-25) as the head coach at Tiffin University.
As the head coach at Tiffin, Ekkens led the Dragons to a 15-8 record and an appearance in the America's Crossroads Bowl in 2024 (one of only two NCAA Division II football bowl games) after tying for second in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference with an 8-3 record. In 2025, Tiffin finished the season 7-4. They led the GMAC in passing (3,026 yards) and tied for first in touchdowns scored (41) while leading the conference in points scored for the second consecutive year.
In his first season in 2024, the Dragons led the conference in total points (392), total offense (4,829 yards) and touchdowns scored (45) and were undefeated at home. Tiffin had both the conference's leading rusher and wide receiver that season as RB Ronald Blackman ran for a career-high 1,417 yards and 13 TDs on 241 carries while WR Jalen Thomas had 1,079 receiving yards on 76 receptions.
Prior to working at Tiffin, Ekkens spent two seasons (2022-23) at Saginaw Valley State as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. He went to Saginaw Valley State after coaching for three seasons (2019-21) at Indiana Wesleyan. Ekkens worked with the Wildcats as the run game coordinator, offensive line coach and head strength and conditioning coach.
He spent five seasons at Akron (2014-2018), starting his tenure as a graduate assistant for two seasons (2014-15) before getting promoted to offensive line coach for three seasons (2016-18). At the time, Ekkens was the youngest offensive line coach in the FBS and the fourth youngest coach overall (26). He also served as the assistant recruiting coordinator while at Akron.
Ekkens helped the Zips to the 2017 MAC East Championship as Akron earned an appearance in the Boca Raton Bowl that season. The school earned a spot in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl following the 2015 campaign.
He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Mount Union, where he served as the assistant  offensive line coach and head strength and conditioning coach for two seasons (2012-13). In his first season coaching the Purple Raiders, Ekkens was part of the 2012 NCAA Division III National Championship team and also helped Mount Union to an appearance in the championship game in 2013.
Ekkens was a four-year (2008-11) starter at center at Mount Union, helping the Purple Raiders to four National Championship appearances (2008-11) and one National Championship (2008). His record at Mount Union as a player was 57-3. He was an All-American and a Rimington Award winner, honoring the most outstanding center in college football.
He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physical and Health Education and went on to earn his master's degree in Sport Science and Coaching Administration at Akron. Ekkens is married to his wife, Sophia.
