KEARNEY, Neb.— UNK’s coaching staff will look a little different this season with new additions and promotions being announced on Tuesday.

Earning promotions are Tim Schaffner to head assistant coach, Tyler Harris to offensive coordinator and Nate Willis from graduate assistant to full-time status.

Joining the Lopers are Colten Gaines as a graduate assistant and Courtney Ledyard as a part-time assistant.

Schaffner is the Lopers defensive coordinator and secondary coach that has ranked among the MIAA’s best each of the past two years with his defense. The former Butler C.C. defensive coordinator and head coach replaces Colby Ellis. 

“Coach Schaffner is a great coach, and this new title will help me as a head coach in many ways continue to grow our program to new heights,” said UNK Football’s head coach Ryan Held. 

Harris came to UNK last season after coaching receivers at his alma mater, Emporia State. He leads the Loper receivers and in 2024, the Loper receivers managed 1,500 combined yards. This offensive change is also the result of Ellis leaving for an analyst job at his alma mater, Oklahoma State. 

Willis has spent the past two years as one of UNK’s graduate assistants, leading the corner backs. He will continue to coach the position group that helped the Lopers rank third in the MIAA in scoring defense.

Gaines and Ledyard both come to UNK with experience on and off the field at multiple levels from high school to NCAA teams.

UNK will have two other part-time assistant coaches in Reagan Jones for quarterbacks and Corey Hoelck for the offensive line. 

The Lopers report to fall camp on August 1 with the 2025 season opener set for August 28 at Wayne State.