John Carroll's football coaching vacancy? It landed closer than anyone expected, right in the lap of Athletic Director Brian Polian! It's a story that highlights how opportunity can knock when you least expect it, and how sometimes, the best solution is already within your own organization.
So, how did this unexpected turn of events unfold? Well, it all started when John Carroll's head football coach, Jeff Behrman, received an offer from Bucknell University. Bucknell, a school in the FCS (formerly Division I-AA) classification, offers athletic scholarships, a significant difference from John Carroll's Division III status. While the exact salaries for coaches in the Patriot League, where Bucknell plays, aren't public, they typically range from $250,000 to $300,000, a considerable leap from Division III compensation. Behrman himself noted, "I didn’t plan to leave Carroll. I didn’t see this coming. But when a certain window opens and it’s a chance to advance, it’s hard to pass up." This desire to return to a higher level of play, especially after serving as an offensive coordinator at another FCS school, Stoney Brook, was a strong motivator.
Interestingly, Behrman has a deep connection to John Carroll, having played quarterback there. His former teammate? None other than Brian Polian, who is now John Carroll's athletic director. Polian had initially envisioned a long tenure working alongside Behrman, especially since they had spent three years together at the school. However, Polian is no stranger to coaching transitions himself. Before joining JCU in 2023, he had a distinguished career, coaching at 10 different schools over 28 years, including two stints at Notre Dame.
But here's where it gets interesting... The question wasn't if Behrman would leave, but who would step in to maintain the impressive momentum. Behrman had led the team to a 29-7 record over the previous three years, with two NCAA D-3 playoff appearances and a trip to the Final Four in 2025. Polian was actively discussing potential candidates with Behrman, seeking someone who understood the unique John Carroll culture, for whom the role held personal significance, and who knew how to win in Division III, where scholarships aren't a factor.
Then came the pivotal question, posed by Behrman himself: "Why don’t you do it? I know you miss coaching."
And this is the part most people miss... Polian, a former head coach at Division I Nevada and a special teams coach at prestigious programs like LSU and Notre Dame, felt a jolt. He hadn't considered himself for the role, his mind already on external candidates. However, influential figures within John Carroll encouraged him to reconsider. The true turning point, however, came during a casual conversation with his 13-year-old daughter, Charlotte, at Chick-fil-A. When she asked about his coaching aspirations, and he mentioned the possibility of taking the head coach position, she declared, "If you don’t do this, I’m not going to listen to you any more (about missing coaching)." This was Polian's "moment of clarity."
Just as Behrman felt the urgency of a career-advancing opportunity, the 51-year-old Polian recognized a similar window of destiny. This was his chance to lead his alma mater's football program. To turn it down would likely mean missing such an opportunity forever.
The Move to John Carroll: A Shift in Priorities
For coaches in their 50s, the landscape of high-level coaching offers can indeed begin to shift. While Polian, with his extensive network and recent role as General Manager at LSU (where he focused on talent evaluation, the transfer portal, recruiting, and NIL deals), could likely have found a role in Division I, his priorities had evolved. He was working over 100 hours a week, traveling extensively, and earning a substantial salary of approximately $625,000 a year. Yet, the constant travel and time away from home had taken a toll on his family life. He and his wife, Laura, had moved nine times in 23 years. Recalling his father's (Hall of Fame NFL executive Bill Polian) career and his sister's frequent school changes, Polian sought stability.
His previous roles, including two tenures at Notre Dame totaling 10 years, had made him feel like a "piece in the (big-time college football) machine." When the opportunity to become JCU's Athletic Director arose in 2023, he saw a chance for his family to settle down. Division I football had become increasingly volatile with the rise of NIL deals and transfers, a stark contrast to the comfort and stability he remembered from his time as a student at John Carroll. He had "lived that transient coach’s life" and now, "this is an important time for our family. I needed to settle down."
Different Role Models, Same Ambition
While he once considered following his father into the NFL, Polian now draws inspiration from figures like "Coach D" – Tony DeCarlo. DeCarlo was a legendary figure at John Carroll, serving as head football coach from 1987-1998, head wrestling coach for 23 years, and athletic director for 15 years. He successfully juggled multiple demanding roles, a feat that Polian now contemplates. He also looks to the example of Mount Union's Larry Kehres, who impressively served as head football coach and athletic director for 26 years.
To manage the athletic department effectively, Polian has enlisted the help of JCU soccer coach Dejan Mladenovic, who now holds the title of "senior deputy athletic director." Polian expressed his gratitude, stating, "I didn’t take this job to simply slide into coaching. I thought Jeff (Behrman) and I would be together for a long time. Now that he’s gone, I have big shoes to fill… and I told Jeff it’s time for him to join our booster club."
What are your thoughts on coaches taking on multiple significant roles? Do you believe this trend is sustainable in college athletics, or does it put too much pressure on individuals? Share your opinions in the comments below!
