ADRIAN, Mich. – Head coach of the Adrian College football team, Joe Palka, announced his assistant coaching staff for the upcoming 2024 season. Palka is entering his first year as head coach of the Bulldogs after being hired at the conclusion of the 2023 season. The assistant coaching staff consists of 13 coaches with more help coming in the future.
 
"I am really excited to bring in such a knowledgeable, high energy and relatable staff that will be great role models and leaders for our team," Palka said. "We have a wide range of individuals with impressive and diverse backgrounds who are like minded and driven to produce a football program that our school and community will be proud of."
 
Coach Joe Palka's son, Tyler Palka, will serve as the Offensive Coordinator for the Bulldogs. Tyler had a college career at Saginaw Valley State University before transferring to Gannon University. After college, Tyler appeared in multiple professional football leagues including the Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Camp, the CFL, Arena Football League, the XFL, and the USFL. Prior to coaching at Adrian, Tyler served as an assistant coach for Saline High School where he was the passing game coordinator and won three conference championships and a district championship.
 
Ron Shiels returns to the coaching staff and will serve as the Defensive Coordinator. Shiels is a 2004 graduate of Adrian College where he was a four-year starter at defensive back and safety. In Shiels' first stint with the Bulldogs after graduation, the team had one of the top defenses in all of NCAA Division III. From there, Shiels served as an assistant coach for Palka at Saline High School from 2012-16 where the team combined for a 41-7 record over the years. His most recent collegiate coaching came across town at Siena Heights University where he led the defense to a top-25 ranking in multiple defensive categories in all of the NAIA.
 
Alex Knollman returns to the Adrian College football staff for another season and will continue to serve as the offensive line coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Knollman has coached for the Bulldogs since 2017 after coming over from Central Michigan University. During his time at Adrian, Knollman has worked with running backs and the offensive line which has provided a successful running game for the Bulldogs over the years.
 
Joe Palka's other son, Jeb Palka, joins the staff and will serve as the wide receivers coach. Jeb was a graduate of Concordia Ann Arbor where he was a receiver and punt returner. While Jeb was a member of the team, Concordia Ann Arbor went on to win back-to-back MSFA Mideast Championships and appear in back-to-back Elite Eight Playoff appearances. Jeb was a high school stand out where he was named All-Conference three times, a two-time All-Region selection, and a two-time First Team All-State honoree.
 
Also helping on defense will be Malik Edwards, Alex Bellfy, Kevin Wengert, and Andrew McGaughy. Coach Edwards will specialize with the defensive tackles while Coach Wengert will work with the defensive ends. Coach Bellfy will focus on the defensive backs, and Coach McGaughy will work with the linebackers.
 
Help on offense will include Kurt Brinell, DJ Haskins, Sean Reim, and Steve Wilwohl. Coach Haskins will assist with the offensive line next season while Coach Britnell will work with outside receivers and tight ends, and Coach Reim will work with tight ends and running backs. Coach Wilwohl will serve as an overall offensive assistant.
 
The team also added Sam Hotopp as the Director of Football Operations where he will focus on film breakdown, analysis, and social media.
 
Joe Palka went on to say, "We have guys who range in experience from the professional, collegiate and high school levels who all have a history of winning championships. They are all great people as well."
 
The Bulldogs are set to begin the 2024 football season next fall with the team's home opener on Saturday, September 7 when they host Elmhurst University at Docking Stadium. Stay tuned to www.adrianbulldogs.com for the full 2024 football schedule in the near future.