WINONA, Minn. – Brian Curtin has been named the Winona State University head football coach for the 2025 season.
 
Curtin, a former football student-athlete and graduate of Winona State, has been on the Warrior staff since 1997. Providing stability in the coaching staff, Curtin has helped lead WSU to eight NSIC Championships and three NSIC South Division crowns. WSU has advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs seven times since Curtin's arrival while also playing in three Mineral Water Bowls.
 
Curtin's defenses have been a major part in the Warriors' success. Building their team around a stingy, ball-hawking unit, Curtin helped tutor five consecutive NSIC Defensive Players of the Year. A Warrior claimed the honor from 2002-2006, with Curtin personally coaching safety John Tackmann to the award in 2005 and 2006.
 
Tackmann was an All-American under Curtin's watchful eye in 2005 and 2006. He also coached Jamey Hutchinson to First Team All-American honors in 1997. Curtin coached the 2018 NSIC Defensive Player of the Year and Don Hansen Super Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year - Andrew Spencer. Cornerback Isaiah Hall was also named an All-American under his watch in 2018.
 
Curtin has helped the Warriors to six seasons of 10 or more victories and 13 campaigns in which the team won at least eight games. His defenses also helped the team compile a 35-game home conference winning streak that began in 1999 and stretched through the end of the 2008 season.
 
Since joining the WSU staff, Curtin has helped tutor defensive units that led the NSIC in turnover margin (five times), scoring defense (three times), total defense (twice), rush defense and passing efficiency defense.
 
Curtin played football at Winona State and was a member of the 1993 NSIC Championship team. That squad went 7-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play to earn the only NAIA Playoff bid in school history. The Warriors repeated as NSIC Champions in 1994, posting a 7-3-1 overall record and 5-0-1 mark in league play.
 
 
What Others are Saying:

David Braun '08, Head Football Coach – Northwestern University
"I have known Brian Curtin since the summer of 2002 and he truly embodies everything that makes Warrior Football so special. He is an exceptional mentor, teacher, and coach! His care for the student-athletes and commitment to the holistic development of young men is something that should make all associated with Winona State Football proud to call Brian Curtin our head coach!"

Matt Entz, Head Football Coach – Fresno State
"Congrats to Brian, his family, and Warrior football. Brian has and will continue to be a great teacher, mentor, and representative of Winona State University. Brian has been a part of the Warrior Football Family for the majority of his life and has been a critical piece of its success over the years. There is no better person to lead this program into the future than Coach Curtin. I could not be more excited for Coach Curtin, his family, the alumni, and Warrior Football. It's a great day to be a Warrior!"

Tom Sawyer '83, Former Winona State Head Football Coach
"I am excited for Coach Curtin to take over the reins of Warrior Football! I've watched him grow into this opportunity from his first day on campus!"
 
Scott Opfer '84, Founder - WSU Football Players Association
"With 30 years of dedication to the program, Brian Curtin's leadership, respect, and unwavering commitment make him the perfect choice to guide the team through these challenging times. Coaches and players alike admire his vision and expertise, and there's no doubt he will lead the football program toward a bright future"

Colin Charlson '06, Past President - WSU Football Players Association
"Coach Curtin is a true Warrior who has dedicated his life's work to Winona State, its football program, and its students.  I know coach Curtin not only as a world class football coach but a guy who knows and loves Winona State and the Winona community deeply.  As an alumnus who played for coach Curtin, I couldn't be more excited about him as the new head football coach at Winona State University and I am excited to see him make even more impact on the students and in the community."