Schwartze New Football Operations Director

AMES, Iowa - Brian Schwartze, most recently the vice president of player personnel and football operations in addition to duties as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Arena Football League's Chicago Rush, was named director of football operations at Iowa State Friday by Cyclone head coach Paul Rhoads.

“Brian Schwartze is a proven leader and winner,” Rhoads said. “He excelled in the AFL as an executive, coach, recruiter, negotiator and play caller. Brian balanced a diverse scope of responsibilities for the Chicago Rush. He has college football playing and coaching experience and has lived and worked in Iowa. Brian is a great addition to our staff.”

Schwartze's Rush defenses led the AFL in scoring defense in 2007 and 2008. He originally was hired in 2003 as the team's defensive backs coach. The native of Vienna, Mo., added director of player personnel duties in 2005 and was promoted to vice president of player personnel and football operations in 2007.

“Paul Rhoads is the number one reason I am here,” Schwartze said. “I have known Paul for a long time. We have many mutual friends. I first met Paul when he was with Iowa State as an assistant coach. I have already started my job here and I'm excited about what we can accomplish at ISU. My wife is from Solon and we worked and lived in Iowa in the recent past so we have family ties here as well.”

In Chicago, Schwartze coordinated the Rush's player scouting and recruiting as well as the negotiation of player contracts.

Schwartze never missed the playoffs as an AFL/af2 coach, reaching the postseason nine-consecutive years and winning three championships (2006 Arena Bowl, 2000 and 2001 Arena Cup).

He spent the 2002 and 2003 seasons with the New Jersey/Las Vegas Gladiators as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach when the Gladiator defense ranked second in the league.

Schwartze was the assistant head coach of the Quad City Steamwheelers in af2 for two seasons (2000-2001), winning a pair of af2 Arena Cup championships. He spent one season at Western Washington (1998) as secondary coach and recruiting coordinator and one season at Drake (1999) as tight ends coach.

Schwartze served as offensive coordinator and backfield coach at Kemper Junior College in Booneville, Mo, in 1997. He began his coaching career at Northwest Missouri State as the wide receivers coach (1995-96) while also earning a master's degree in physical education and athletic administration in 1997.

Schwartze was a three-year starter at wide receiver for Central Methodist University (1992-1995) and a three-time academic all-America selection for the Eagles. He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education and health in 1995.

Iowa State University Athletics

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