DUBUQUE, Iowa – Head football coach Brandon Novak has announced three new additions to his coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season.

Jon Powers, a 2017 Loras graduate, will serve as the new offensive coordinator for the Duhawks after eight seasons as an assistant coach.

"Jon has been integral to Loras football for the past 13 years," Novak said. "A standout student-athlete during his playing career, Jon has carried that same attitude, work ethic, and competitive spirit into becoming an exceptionally gifted coach. We are excited to elevate Jon to offensive coordinator, where his deep understanding of the program will help bridge our new staff with the proud legacy and rich history of Loras football."

Powers ended his playing career at Loras in the top 10 for receiving yards and recorded 82 receptions his senior year, which ranks second all-time for receptions made in a single season. After his time as a player, Powers jumped right into coaching, being the wide receivers coach and co-special team's coordinator beginning in 2018. During his time on the sidelines, Powers has coached nine American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) All-Conference players and is coming off a 2025 season that saw the Duhawk offense rank first in passing yards per game (289.5), first in field goal percentage (100%), and second in first downs per game (20.6) in the A-R-C.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to join Coach Novak's coaching staff and to continue to coach at my alma mater," Powers said. "I have a deep connection to Duhawk football, and it is an honor to continue to mentor and coach our student-athletes into the future."

Hayden Sanders will join the Loras coaching staff as the new defensive coordinator this upcoming season.

"Hayden embodies everything college athletics are meant to be," Novak said. "He was an outstanding student, a tremendous representative of his community, and one of the finest football players I have had the privilege to coach. I am very excited to have him join the football staff here at Loras."

Sanders comes to Loras from Eastern Michigan University after a four-year playing career under coach Novak at Saint John's University. During his time with the Johnnies, Sanders was a two-time first-team All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) player at the linebacker position, a three-time member of the Academic All-MIAC team, a two-time Academic All-District honoree, and a member of the 2024 Region 6 All-Region Second Team. After his graduation in 2025, Sanders spent one season at Eastern Michigan as a graduate assistant. There, he served as the defensive quality control coach where he created defensive play signals, broke down film, and was responsible for recruiting Junior College recruits and high school talent in the western Wisconsin region.

"I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of Novak's staff and the Loras College community," Sanders said. "As my mentor, Novak has had a profound impact on my life, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to now pour into others alongside him, just as he once poured into me. Being able to follow Novak into the fire on Saturdays with my former co-linebacker, Erik Bjrok, just as I did as a student-athlete, is an honor beyond words."

Erik Bjork has been named the new special teams coordinator by Coach Novak. Bjork, a 2023 graduate of Saint John's, previously worked as the Defensive Assistant Coach at South St. Paul High School in Minnesota where he was awarded the Developed District Linebacker of the Year award.

"When you define football players, you must begin with the word tough," Novak said. "While that term is often associated with physical ability, true toughness is rooted in mindset, discipline, and resilience. As we shape the identity of Duhawk football, toughness will be our defining standard, and Erik will play a vital role in instilling that mentality in our program."

While at St. John's, Bjork was a four-year member of the football team where he played in 48 games, starting in 34 of them. Bjork was three-time All-MIAC First Team selection, while also earning All-Region honors. He also ranks top 10 in school history in tackles with 251.

"I am humbled and blessed by the opportunity to join the football staff and community at Loras College," Bjork said. "Brandon Novak is the ultimate competitor and brings undying optimism to everything he does. As both my mentor and coach, he helped make me a better football player and, more importantly, a better person. I hope to have that same positive impact on the student-athletes at Loras. We expect to be great in all aspects of our program, and I'm excited for what the future holds."

"I am excited to have these three coaches serve as the foundation upon which we will build the Duhawk football staff," Novak said. "Each brings a unique perspective and influence that will help define who we are as a team, both on and off the field. This is an exciting time for Loras Football, and we are eager to move forward together."

Loras will open the 2026 season at home on Sept. 5 against St. Olaf College.