Tiffin's Ekkens leaves for NFL opportunities

February 18th, 2026 8:00am

Tiffin's Ekkens leaves for NFL opportunities

From gotiffindragons.com

Brett Ekkens has resigned as Head Football Coach of the Tiffin University football program. He is pursuing opportunities in the National Football League.

Ekkens coached for two seasons with the Dragons, compiling a 15-8 mark including 13-5 in conference games. His career winning percentage of .652 puts him third all-time among TU football coaches.

Ekkens's teams were marked by high-powered offenses, as they led the G-MAC in offense in both 2025 (31.5 ppg) and 2024 (32.7).

"I want to thank President Schumacher, Dr. Amy Wood, and Kelly Daniel for the opportunity to serve as Tiffin University's head football coach over the past two years," said Ekkens. "I am deeply grateful for their support as we worked to move our football program forward. I've always believed that the people make the place, and they certainly did that for me and my family."

"I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our outstanding network of alumni. Your support, generosity, and passion for Tiffin University Football have been undeniable from the first day I stepped on campus. To my staff and our players—you are second to none. I am thankful for your unwavering commitment to our process. I promised you deep, meaningful relationships and holistic development, and you promised to G.R.I.N.D. You mean the world to me, and I know the future will be bright for you and for this program."

"Brett Ekkens was truly in a league of his own," said Athletic Director Kelly Daniel. "It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside Coach Ekkens. He exemplifies success, hard work, true leadership, and the ability to build lasting relationships. Dragon Nation will deeply miss him and his family, but he will always be a Dragon for Life. We wish him nothing but the very best in this next chapter."