Carroll University football team has announced several changes to their coaching staff prior to the 2024 season under the direction of Head Coach Mike Budziszewski, who enters his fifth year at the helm of the Pioneers.

Zak Pfeffer is departing Carroll University to pursue other opportunities, stepping down from the Pios' Defensive Coordinator position that he had held the last four years.

Replacing Pfeffer will be Garren Holley, who has served as the Pioneers' Special Teams Coordinator the past three years. Holley also serves as Carroll athletics' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Representative and Student-Work Director.

Joining the Carroll coaching staff this season, after a one-year hiatus, is Ben Mathias, who will take over as the Special Teams Coordinator. Mathias comes back to Carroll after his role as the outside linebackers coach at Rhodes in Memphis, Tenn.  He was Carroll's Linebackers coach from 2020-22. Prior to his first stint at Carroll, Mathias coached five seasons at James Madison Memorial High School in Madison, Wis. as the team's Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach. He helped that team to back-to-back conference championships and three Madison city titles as they became the first high school located in Madison to make the WIAA State semifinals.

"We wish Zak and his family nothing but the best. His contributions to this program were paramount in the success we have had over the past three seasons and he will truly be missed," said Coach Budziszewski about his former DC. "The program couldn't be more excited to have Coach Holley step into his new role. He is an amazing coach and will do a fantastic job as our new defensive coordinator. We're also thrilled to have Coach Mathias back on our defensive staff. He's a perfect fit for our program and we can't wait to get to work."

The Pioneers will kickoff their 2024 season on Thursday, September 5 at UW-Stout in Menomonie, Wis. at 6 p.m. Carroll's home opener will be Saturday, September 28 at 1 p.m. against Wheaton (IL).