FAYETTE, Iowa - The Peacock football coaching staff has made an addition as Hayden Ekern will be the quarterbacks coach for the 2026 season, as announced by head coach Jason Hoskins. Ekern comes to UIU from Central Oklahoma, where he coached running backs.

"Through our search for this position, Hayden kept standing out amongst the candidates," Hoskins said. "What impressed me most about Hayden is how detailed he was. His approach to the game is what you would find in a veteran coach. We are getting a young coach who can relate well to the players and has a lot of enthusiasm to establish himself in this profession.  That combination will allow him to coach at a high level and help our football program." 

At Central Oklahoma this past season, Ekern coached two All-MIAA running backs in Jaylen Cottrell and William Mason Jr. The Bronchos went 6-5 during the 2025 campaign with Cottrell and Mason combining for over 1,300 yards on the ground. 

The Chicago native comes to Upper Iowa to build on the success of the previous Albanese Candy Bowl-winning season.

"I chose Upper Iowa because of the strong culture that Coach Hoskins and the rest of the staff have built," Ekern said. "I really appreciate the sense of community around the program and the university. It's a place where people genuinely support each other and are committed to helping student-athletes grow on and off the field."

Ekern started his college career at South Dakota before transferring to Minnesota State, playing quarterback. At Minnesota State, he holds the program record for career touchdown passes (73), is second all-time in total offense (9,982 yards), is third all-time in passing yards (8,566) and is third all-time in completions (630). 

He was a two-time team captain for the Mavericks and led MSU to the NCAA Division II Playoffs in 2022, 2023 and 2024. During Ekern's senior season, the Mavericks won the NCAA Division II Region 4 Championship and made the NCAA Division II Semifinals. 

"I enjoy giving back to the game that has given me so much," Ekern said. "We're called to serve and invest in others, and coaching provides an opportunity to build meaningful, lifelong relationships with student-athletes. Being able to help players grow as competitors, teammates and people is what makes coaching so rewarding."

Ekern graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management from Minnesota State and earned a master's degree in business administration. He also earned a graduate certificate in business leadership. 

With the staff complete, the Peacocks begin preparations for the fall season. Spring practices start on March 24, and UIU concludes spring practices with a Spring Game on April 25. 

"I'm excited to get on the field with our guys this spring and build off the hard work they put in this winter as we prepare for the 2026 season," Ekern said.