Coach Brett Ekkens joined the Cardinal coaching staff in June 2022

Brett most recently served as the offensive line coach, run game coordinator, and head strength & conditioning coach at Indiana Wesleyan.  He has worked at the University of Akron for five years.  2 years as a graduate assistant and then was promoted to the top spot as the head offensive line coach.  He was the youngest offensive line coach in 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, Brett helped lead the team to a 2017 MAC East Championship including a victory over Northwestern and a trip to the Boca Raton Bowl and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. 

Prior to Akron, Brett coached at Mt. Union and served as the o-line coach and head strength coach and 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 4 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 degree in Physical and Health Education and a Masters Degree in Sport Science and Coaching Administration. 

Ekkens and his wife Sophia were married in June 2016.