Paul Mierkiewicz enters 2011 in his first year as the head football coach at Loras College, returning to his alma mater where he was a four year member of the team and member of the coaching staff from 1992 until 1998. Mierkiewicz previously served as the head coach at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska since 2001.

Under Mierkiewicz's direction, the Broncos went 65-41. His 65 wins are third most in Bronco history. He also served as the offensive coordinator and assistant athletic director from 1998 to 2001. The offense broke 12 school records during the 1999 season and also finished the regular season undefeated for the second consecutive year.

Mierkiewicz graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education with teaching credentials in 1989 from Loras College. He served as the running back coach and head strength coach starting in 1992 until he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1994. Mierkiewicz earned his master's degree in 1995 at Loras College in physical education with an emphasis in Athletic Administration.

"Loras College is a wonderful place with tremendous people and tremendous student-athletes, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel like a bit of a homecoming for me." Mierkiewicz said upon his hiring.

"And (the city of) Dubuque just continues to show what a great place it is to live and work. I can't wait to get started."

Mierkiewicz is a native of Morton Grove, Illinois. He and his wife Heather have two daughters, Jensen and Abigail. His time spent in the Catholic education system includes both his time at Loras College and at Notre Dame High School (Niles, Illinois).

Steve Helminiak joins the Duhawk staff in 2011 and returns to Loras where he was a former assistant coach and player from 1986 to 2000. Helminiak has nearly twenty years of coaching experience and will serve as the offensive line coach for the Duhawks in the upcoming 2011 season.

He graduated from Loras in 1991 with a degree in business management. After a four year playing career as a Duhawk, Helminiak then joined the Loras College staff as a student assistant and working his way up to the offensive coordinator position at the conclusion of his first go-around with the Duhawks in 2002. Helminiak also served as the offensive coordinator at Rockford College until 2006. Helminiak came back to his alumnus from Southern Oregon University, where he served as the head coach since 2006.

During his time at Southern Oregon, Helminiak coached one AFCA and five VSN All-Americans. He also coached the 2009 NAIA Independent Offensive Player of the Year and the fourth best receiver in receptions and yards in SOU history. Helminiak compiled an 11-6 record versus NAIA opponents, including a 4-1 record against perennial NAIA power Azusa Pacific.

Brent O'Brien enters 2011 as his first year on the staff at Loras College. O'Brien joins the Duhawks after coaching at Fort Hays State University where he focused on the secondary and served as the strength and conditioning coordinator. He graduated from Hastings College in 2005 with degrees in sports management and business management following a four year career with the team. As a player, O'Brien earned All-GPAC honors at linebacker in 2004, the same year the team qualified for the NAIA Quarterfinals.

Following his playing career, O'Brien joined the Hastings College staff as a linebackers coach. He then went on to coach at Fort Hays State University in 2007, then Earlham College in 2008, before returning to Fort Hays State in 2010.

O'Brien also earned his master's degree in Sport Administration from Fort Hays State University in 2008. He will serve as the secondary coach with the Duhawks.

BJ Main is a 2005 graduate of Loras College and quarterback with the Duhawks under former head coach Bob Bierie. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice. He returns to the staff in 2011 after previously serving for two years on the staff in 2006 and 2007.

During Main's time in a Loras uniform, the team won over 20 games. BJ will work with the wide receivers for the Duhawks. He resides in Dubuque.

Pat Murphy is in his sixth season of coaching at the collegiate level. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Murphy has coached football for over 30 years in Dubuque – his hometown. Murphy served as the Head Football Coach at Dubuque Senior High School from 1989-2003. His role with the Duhawks is now with the outside linebackers. Previously, Murphy has coached the running backs – including 2008 IIAC MVP Alex McGrew.

He recently retired from his teaching and coaching positions at Senior and will continue to contribute to the Girls Track and Field team in the spring. Murphy and his wife Christine are the proud parents of three children, Sean (28), Meghan (24), and Molly (20).