Briar Cliff University Athletics has announced that Nathan Koziol has been named the next Head Football Coach for the Chargers, following the transition of Shane LaDage, who recently stepped down after five seasons leading the program.
 
Koziol previously served as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator and has been a key member of the Charger coaching staff since joining the program. In his role, he has overseen the defensive unit while playing an integral part in recruiting, player development, and establishing the culture that has helped move Briar Cliff football forward in recent seasons.
 
"We are excited to name Nathan Koziol as the next leader of our football program," said Dan McDermott, Athletic Director at Briar Cliff. "Nathan understands the values of Briar Cliff University and the expectations of Charger football. He has built strong relationships with our student-athletes, staff, and faculty, and we are confident in his ability to continue developing a program that competes at a high level while representing our University with pride."
 
A native of Lodi, Wisconsin, Koziol brings extensive collegiate playing and coaching experience to the role. He played football at both Bemidji State University and Loras College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in sport management. Koziol also holds a master's degree in management from Minot State University.
 
Before joining Briar Cliff, Koziol gained valuable coaching experience at several collegiate programs. He previously served on the coaching staff at Minot State University, where he coached tight ends before transitioning to defensive backs. He also coached defensive backs and special teams at Loras College, contributing to player development and recruiting efforts at each stop.
 
Koziol steps into the role following the tenure of Shane LaDage, who concluded his fifth season as Head Football Coach. During his time leading the Chargers, LaDage guided the program to a winning season in the Great Plains Athletic Conference in 2025. The program also experienced strong success beyond the field. The Chargers earned the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Scholar-Athlete Team Award in both 2024 and 2025, reflecting the team's commitment to academic achievement and community engagement.
 
LaDage will be transitioning to Dakota Valley High School in North Sioux City, where he will serve as Head Football Coach.
 
"We are grateful to Coach LaDage for the leadership and passion he brought to our football program and to the Briar Cliff community," said Dan McDermott, Athletic Director at Briar Cliff. "He has invested greatly in the lives of our student-athletes and helped build momentum for the program. We wish Shane and his family the very best as he begins this next chapter at Dakota Valley High School."
 
Shane LaDage congratulated Nathan Koziol on his selection as the next Head Football Coach at Briar Cliff University. LaDage shared that Koziol has been a trusted colleague and key leader alongside him at both Minot State University and Briar Cliff, where the two worked together for more than eight seasons.
 
"I am honored for the opportunity to lead the Briar Cliff football program and grateful to the university's administration and athletic leadership for the trust they have placed in me to guide this program," said Nathan Koziol. "I am also thankful for the mentorship and leadership of Coach Shane LaDage during our time working together. Our coaching staff and student-athletes are committed to building on the progress we have made while continuing to develop young men of character who represent Briar Cliff University with pride."
 
Following a winning season this past year, Briar Cliff Athletics looks forward to building on the momentum of the program and continuing to develop a culture of excellence under Koziol's leadership.