COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University defensive coordinator and longtime assistant coach Brandon Novak '01 was named head football coach at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa Friday (Dec. 19).

Novak completed his second year as the Johnnies' defensive coordinator in 2025 as SJU (10-2, 8-1 MIAC) recorded its 27th 10-win season and made its 34th postseason appearance (30th in Division III). The Johnnies ended the regular season fourth in NCAA Division III in scoring defense (8.8 ppg.); fifth in total defense (203.0 ypg.); seventh in passing defense (135.3 ypg.); and 11th in both first downs allowed (126) and red-zone defense (.611, 11-for-18).

His successor will be announced at a later date.

After an All-American playing career, Novak coached linebackers for 12 seasons. He transitioned to the offensive side of the ball to coach running backs in 2012, only to return to the defensive side of the ball in 2013. Novak was promoted to co-defensive coordinator prior to the 2014 SJU football season and assumed the full role following the retirement of Jerry Haugen '76 in 2024.

"Saint John's University has been far more than a place I coached, wrestled and played football — it has been home for three decades and a cornerstone in my life and that of my family," Novak said. "From my years as a student-athlete when I first was introduced to campus pillars like Richard Ice, Jean Keller, Br. Paul Richards and Ken Jones, to the 26 seasons I was part of the coaching staff at SJU learning from legends like John Gagliardi, Jerry Haugen and John Elton, this place shaped me as a coach, leader and person. I am deeply grateful to all of the mentors I have had at Saint John's, whose guidance, standards and belief in developing young men the right way have left a lasting impact on me. 

"To the coaches that I have had the extreme pleasure of working alongside, I am proud of all that we have done on and off the field. None of the last 30 years would have been possible without the incredible impact that Gary Fasching had on my life. From the first time meeting him in 1994, to playing for him at this one-of-a-kind place, and having an incredible four years as a player, to the opportunity he gave me to be his defensive coordinator, he has been my mentor and friend. Thank you.

"Ecclesiastes tells us that 'there is a time for everything' and while it is difficult to leave a place I love, I am excited for the opportunity to build on these lessons as I step into the head coaching role at Loras College and lead its football program into the future."

Loras went 3-7 with a 3-5 mark in the American Rivers Conference (ARC) this past fall. Aside from a 2-0 record during the COVID-stricken 2020 season, the Duhawks' last winning season came in 2008 (6-4).

The Johnnies accrued a 245-53 (.822) record, including a 174-29 (.857) mark in the MIAC, with 19 NCAA appearances 13 MIAC championships during his tenure on staff (since 2000). Since becoming a full-time member of the SJU football coaching staff in 2014, the program went 113-19 (.856) overall and 81-8 (.910) in the MIAC with 10 NCAA appearances and six MIAC titles. Individually, the Johnnies totaled 35 All-American honors and 103 All-MIAC first-team selections on the defensive side of the ball.

"Brandon has had a very significant impact on Saint John's as both an athlete and a coach," SJU head coach Gary Fasching '81 said. "As a two-sport athlete, he helped set a standard of excellence for others to follow. When I was first hired (as an assistant coach) in 1996, the first recruit I called was Brandon Novak because I knew that he would be a difference maker for our team. 

"As a coach for the past 25 years, Brandon has been an integral part of many winning teams. During my 13 years as head football coach, Brandon has become a trusted assistant and has worked diligently to make our program one of the best in the country. He is an exceptional coach who cares about the players. He has made our football program a better program and Saint John's a better place. On behalf of our football program, we thank him for a job well done at Saint John's and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his coaching career at Loras."

As a star linebacker for SJU from 1996-99, the Becker, Minn., native was named the MIAC Most Valuable Player in 1999 and was a two-time, first-team All-American. The Johnnies posted a 39-8 (32-4 MIAC) record during his four years as a student-athlete with three trips to the NCAA playoffs and three MIAC titles. Novak is currently tied for the program record in single-season tackles for loss (22.0 in 1998), second in career solo tackles (153), third in career total tackles (333), fourth in single-season tackles (130 in 1998) and fifth in career tackles for loss (50.0).

Novak was also a four-time national qualifier, three-time All-American and a 2001 national champion for the Johnnie wrestling team. As a freshman, Novak placed fifth nationally at 190 pounds. After a return trip where he did not place as a sophomore, he qualified again as a junior, taking third at 197 pounds. 

His senior year (2000-01) was one of the best individual seasons in Johnnie wrestling history. He dominated his way to a 23-1 record, with his only loss coming to a non-Division III opponent. Novak earned the Carl Larson Trophy, as the most valuable wrestler at the MIAC Tournament, following a conference championship at 197 pounds and capped his illustrious career with a national title. His career winning percentage of .871 (101-15 record) is still the best in SJU history.

After graduation, he pursued a coaching career at SJU. He spent 10 seasons as SJU's head wrestling coach from 2004-14 and compiled an 83-73 dual record. Novak coached 21 NWCA Scholar All-Americans and 16 All-Americans, including a school-record five All-Americans in 2011. Minga Batsukh '11 won three consecutive national championships from 2009-11. 

He stepped down as head wrestling coach in 2014 to become a full-time assistant with the football program.