UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — The path that led to the announcement of John Carroll University’s new head football coach, Brian Polian, wasn’t the straight line many might expect. In fact, it wasn’t a path Polian himself had initially considered taking at all.
In a remarkably candid press conference that revealed both the professional and deeply personal aspects of this leadership transition, Polian shared the unexpected journey that brought him back to the sidelines at his beloved alma mater.
After an undefeated record in their first season playing in the North Coast Athletic Conference, a thrilling 10-7 double-overtime playoff win over Mount Union, and an impressive 12-2 campaign, former Blue Streaks head coach Jeff Behrman packed his bags for FCS football at Bucknell. What ensued was a national coaching search that took John Carroll’s leadership right into its own backyard.
While having conversations with President Alan Mikayak and board chair Bill Donnelly about the coaching search, Polian was asked a question that planted the first seed of possibility.
“They both asked if I would consider—had I considered—this role,” Polian said. “And up until that point I had not, because I did not want to abandon my leadership role within the department.”
What makes this story particularly compelling isn’t just the professional decision-making process, but the personal discernment that followed. As a Jesuit institution, discernment is woven into the fabric of John Carroll’s culture, and the coach embraced this tradition fully before making his decision.
“In the Jesuit tradition, though, I took some time to discern,” Polian explained. “I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t quickly making a very selfish decision that was only based on the fact that I was missing coaching.”
The coach consulted stakeholders across the university, engaged with department leaders, and tapped into the extensive JCU football network spanning both NFL and college levels. But perhaps the most poignant influence came from an unexpected source much closer to home.
“And then finally I listened to my daughter. My 13-year-old daughter, Charlotte, who said, ‘I’ve listened to you talk about how much you miss coaching.’ And she said, ‘If you don’t do this, I’m not going to listen to you anymore,’” he revealed, his voice thick with emotion. “And that moment of clarity from a 13-year-old girl.”
This moment of family wisdom proved decisive, cutting through the complexity of professional considerations with stark emotional clarity.
What ultimately convinced him to accept the position wasn’t just his own desire to coach again, but rather his unique connection to the program and institution.
“I couldn’t find a single candidate that loves this program and loves the school the way that I do,” Polian said.
For him, this appointment represents far more than a career move.
“Stewarding this football program feels like the culmination of a dream, and I’m so happy about it,” he declared with candid emotion.
Throughout the press conference, his passion for John Carroll was palpable, demonstrating exactly why he ultimately felt compelled to answer this call. The decision may have been unexpected, but the passion behind it has been building for years.
https://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/2026/01/im-not-going-to-listen-to-you-anymore-how-brian-polians-daughter-led-him-back-to-john-carrolls-sidelines.html