Longtime assistant Chad Braun will become the 31st head coach in
the 122-year history of Monmouth football.
Braun will take the reins after serving as the defensive coordinator since 2000. Braun will continue to direct the defense in his new role.
He replaces Steve Bell, the winningest coach in Monmouth football history, who took the head coaching job at Augustana.
Under Braun's direction, the Scots' defensive units have been known as a swarming, hard-hitting group. During his tenure, the defense has rewritten Monmouth's modern-era record book and been among the nation's leaders in numerous categories, including turnover margin, interceptions, pass defense efficiency and total defense. In 2014, the Scots' defense led the Midwest Conference in nearly every defensive category, including total defense (280.5 ypg) and interceptions (21).
"This is a job I've always dreamed of," said Braun of being named the head coach. "There's no other place I'd rather be than at Monmouth. There are a lot of people to thank for this opportunity. My family has been very supportive and the administration at Monmouth is showing their faith and trust in me to continue the great tradition of Monmouth football."
A 15-year veteran of the coaching staff, Braun is quickly building his supporting staff. He projects much to remain the same on the field.
"We're planning on retaining as many members of the coaching staff as we can," said Braun. "My top priority is to take care of the offensive side of the ball. As a defensive guy, I'll stay with my strength. Obviously, we'll need to replace an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks and receivers coach. We'll still run a fast-tempo, no-huddle offense. That won't change. It will be the same on defense – we'll be physical and disciplined. Fighting Scots football will be fun to watch."
Braun has been a key part of the program that has won four conference titles and made four NCAA Tournament appearances since 2005. That success made for a short search process.
"When the head coach position became open this past week, we discussed whether or not to undertake a national search," explained Monmouth president Clarence Wyatt. "We carefully considered all of the aspects and decided that the person we wanted to lead our football program was already here. Over his 15 years at Monmouth College, Chad Braun has displayed the qualities that we want in our head football coach – a person of integrity, a dedicated educator, a great role model, a skilled coach, and a highly effective recruiter.
"Chad and his wife Jen are both valued members of our community," continued Wyatt. "I am grateful to Chad for taking on this new responsibility, and I am confident that he will make our football program an even more integral and successful part of the overall mission of Monmouth College."
Braun's dedication to excellence, both on the field and in the classroom, is obvious according to MC director of athletics Roger Haynes.
"Coach Braun has a definite passion for the game and for Monmouth College," said Roger Haynes. "Over the past 15 years, he has proven himself to be a hard-working coach, fully committed to Monmouth and to the improvement of his players on and off the field. Coach Braun will provide a seamless transition for the players and give us an immediate direction for the future of the program."
Braun received his undergraduate degree from Illinois College where he was also an all-conference performer. He earned his master's degree in physical education/sports management from Western Illinois. Braun and his wife, Jen, a lecturer in the college's kinesiology department, reside in Monmouth with their four children.