Brian Curtin

Brian Curtin is an American college football coach and former player who is the head football coach at Winona State University. He was appointed head coach prior to the 2025 season after more than two decades on the Warriors' coaching staff.

Playing career and education Curtin played football at Winona State University and was a member of the 1993 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) championship team. That squad finished 7–4 overall and 5–1 in conference play, earning the only NAIA football national championship playoff bid in school history. The Warriors repeated as NSIC champions in 1994, finishing 7–3–1 overall and 5–0–1 in league play. Curtin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching with an emphasis in social science and history from Winona State in 1999. He later earned a Master of Science degree in educational leadership from Winona State.

Coaching career Assistant coach (1997–2024) Curtin joined the Winona State coaching staff in 1997 and served in a variety of roles over more than 20 seasons, primarily as defensive coordinator. He has also coached wide receivers and served as special teams coordinator.

During his tenure as an assistant, Winona State won eight NSIC championships and three NSIC South Division titles. The Warriors advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs seven times and played in three Mineral Water Bowls.

Curtin's defenses were central to the program's sustained success. His units led the NSIC in turnover margin five times, scoring defense three times, total defense twice, and also ranked first in rush defense and passing efficiency defense during multiple seasons. His defensive groups contributed to a 35-game home conference winning streak that spanned from 1999 through 2008.

Curtin coached five consecutive NSIC Defensive Players of the Year from 2002 through 2006. He personally mentored safety John Tackmann to the award in 2005 and 2006; Tackmann also earned All-America honors in both seasons. In 1997, Curtin coached Jamey Hutchinson to First Team All-American recognition. In 2018, Andrew Spencer was named NSIC Defensive Player of the Year and Don Hansen Super Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year, while cornerback Isaiah Hall earned All-American honors.

Curtin also helped guide six Warrior teams to 10 or more wins and 13 seasons with at least eight victories.

Interim and head coach (2025–present) Curtin served as interim head coach during the 2025 season, leading Winona State to a 6–5 overall record and a 6–4 mark in NSIC play. Following the season, he was formally appointed head coach ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Head coaching record