Former John Carroll University assistant coach Brandon Staley was named the FootballScoop Division III Coordinator of the Year for the 2016 season.

In putting together a 12-2 season that concluded with an Ohio Athletic Conference championship and an NCAA tournament semifinal appearance, John Carroll finished among the national leaders in several statistical categories. Under Staley's guidance, the Blue Streaks ranked third in Division III in total defense, fourth in scoring defense, sixth in pass efficiency defense and 13th in rushing defense. John Carroll tied the program record with 12 wins and captured the school's first league title since 1994.

The Blue Streaks limited 12 of their 14 opponents to 17 points or fewer, and five of John Carroll's opponents failed to reach 10 points.

Several of Staley's charges earned major awards following the season. Linebacker Mason McKenrick was named D3football.com's North Region Defensive Player of the Year, was the recipient of the Gene Slaughter Award as the OAC's best linebacker, and earned a spot on the D3football.com All-America first team. Cornerback Michael Hollins joined McKenrick on the D3football.com first team, while fellow defensive backfield mate Jovon Dawson garnered a spot on the second team. Dawson was also chosen as a first team All-American by the AFCA, a third team member of the AP Little All-American team, and the Lee J. Tressel Award winner as the OAC's best defensive back.

Staley has since joined Tom Arth's staff as the defensive coordinator at Chattanooga