Paul Mierkiewicz enters 2012 in his second 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."

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).