(Editor’s note: Carroll College athletics release)
HELENA — Carroll College football coach Troy Purcell announced five members of his football staff on Friday.
Jared Petrino and James “Jay” Stagg III will join the Fighting Saints in 2019, while Alex Kastens, Alex Pfannenstiel and Colin Fuller have been retained from last season’s staff.
“There’s new and old faces,” Purcell said. “With coaches that have been retained, there’s familiarity in program procedures and a positive relationship with the current team. The new coaches are going to bring some energy and coaching experiences to the program. That’s very exciting. There’s different coaching styles that will complement each other and the program. This combination of experiences is definitely a positive influence for Saints football.”
Petrino returns to his alma mater to become the defensive coordinator. For the past three seasons he was the defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and defensive line coach at Rocky Mountain College.
With Petrino on the sidelines, the Battlin’ Bears won the Frontier Conference in 2018 and finished with the No. 1 scoring defense and No. 1 in total defense in the regular season.
He coached at Black Hills State prior to Rocky, serving as the special teams coordinator, defensive line coach and defensive backs coach over the course of three seasons.
Petrino helped Carroll College win two national championships as a linebacker in 2002 and 2003.
“He’s a true Saint,” Purcell said. “We’re very fortunate to have him on our staff. He’s very knowledgeable of Frontier Conference play and offensive schemes as evidenced by the conference championship last season.”
Staggs comes to Carroll to coach the secondary and serve as a co-special teams coordinator.
He most recently coached safeties at Idaho State during the past season. Staggs helped the Bengals go 5-3, posting a winning record in the Big Sky for the first time in 20 years.
Prior to ISU, Staggs served as the defensive coordinator and coached the secondary at Adams State from 2014-17. He brings a wealth of playing experience to Carroll, too. Staggs played safety for UNLV from 2003-06 before going onto a short stint with the Chicago Bears. He also served a few posts in the CFL, playing linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes.
“Extremely positive role model,” Purcell said. “High energy guy. Played at the highest level and has vast coaching experiences at all levels. Excited about the knowledge and experience he’ll be able to bring to the table.”
Kastens stays on with the Saints in a new capacity. Kastens will move from coaching the defensive line to the offensive line while retaining his role as the strength and conditioning coach.
Kastens assisted with the offensive line in 2015 before switching over to the defensive line. He goes back to the position group where he had success as a player. Kastens became a three-year starter and two-year captain for the Saints as a center. He earned first team all-conference in 2013 and 2014. He was a part of four Frontier championships as a player with Carroll and one national championship in 2010.
“Kastens bleeds Purple and Gold,” Purcell said. “He is a team player as shown by his move from linebacker to center, where became an all-conference performer. Players respect him, love his energy and his passion for Carroll College.”
Pfannenstiel will continue his roles as the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. In addition, he will be a co-special teams coordinator.
Pfannenstiel also has a rich past with the Fighting Saints. Pfannenstiel played offensive line on the 2005 and 2007 national championship teams and served as a captain in 2009. He earned all-conference first team recognition twice. He started for three and a half years.
Pfannenstiel started coaching with CC in 2016, overseeing tight ends and assisting the offensive line. In 2018, Pfannenstiel became the recruiting coordinator and assistant strength coach.
Prior to Carroll, Pfannenstiel spent two years as the offensive line coach at Lindenwood University.
“He’s a Saint through and through,” Purcell said. “I am very excited about having him on staff. He’s a very intelligent person and good with the players. He’s knowledgeable on the inner-workings of a program. He has a strong knowledge of offensive schemes.”
Fuller will work on defense as the defensive line coach. He served on 2018’s staff as a defensive assistant.
“He’s a young coach that’s a sponge,” Purcell said. “He’s a very dedicated coach that is willing to put in the extra time to be successful. I heard nothing but positives about his dedication and willingness to help the Saints.”
Purcell will serve as the offensive coordinator and coach quarterbacks.
There will be additional hires announced at a later date.
