Adrian College

Tyler Palka joined the Adrian College football staff as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in the winter of 2023. The 2025 season will be his second with the team.

In his first season as offensive coordinator (2024), the offense set the school record for team completions in a season (209). Quarterback Jacob Kelbert broke the record for completions in a game (39), as well as the record for career completion percentage for a Quarterback (64.9%). Adrian’s prolific passing offense also allowed wide receiver Jalen Wallace to tie the school record for receptions in a season (78). The offense improved substantially from the previous year in virtually every offensive category highlighted by nearly doubling the total touchdowns scored in a season (24 touchdowns in 2023 compared to 40 touchdowns in 2024). The offense finished within the top three in the MIAA in multiple categories statistically including; red zone scoring, time of possession, completion percentage, and sacks allowed (46th nationally).
Adrian’s offense had two athletes voted to the MIAA all league teams following the season.
 
Palka's coaching career began at Gannon University for a short stint before his professional playing career. From there, he went on to become the Passing Game Coordinator at Saline High School from 2018-2021 and the Offensive Coordinator from 2022 -2023 where the program won three conference championships and one district championship while compiling a 44-10 record during the span. During his time at Saline, Palka coached five All-State players on offense.
 
Palka played college football at Saginaw Valley State University during his freshman and sophomore season before transferring to Gannon University for his final two seasons. At Saginaw Valley, Palka appeared in 15 games making six starts at quarterback where he totaled 843 yards passing with six touchdowns. After transferring to Gannon, Palka played quarterback as a junior before transitioning to wide receiver for his final season. His senior year, he totaled 1,121 all purpose yards with 11 touchdowns and 50 receptions. He was named to the PSAC All-Conference Team while also becoming a two-time All Scholar Athlete.
 
After his senior season, the Pittsburgh Steelers caught wind of Palka and invited him to rookie camp in 2018. In 2019, he signed a CFL contract with the Ottawa Redblacks before moving to the Arena Football League where he played for the Columbus Destroyers. In 2020, Palka was drafted to the XFL by Pep Hamilton and the DC Defenders where he was active for three out of the five games before the league was put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Palka served as a wide receiver and had a role on special teams. From there, Palka played in the Spring League for Kevin Gilbride during the 2021 season before being drafted to the USFL by the Houston Gamblers where he played the 2022-23 season for head coach, Kevin Sumlin. During his time in the USFL, Palka played in 13 games where he caught 19 passes for 200 yards, and played a large role on special teams.

*Updated as of July 1, 2025*