Jack Connolly begins his first season on the Cardinal Football coaching staff in 2026. Connolly comes to SVSU after spending 2025 at Butler University as recruiting coordinator and wide receiver coach. He helped guide the Bulldogs to the top of the Pioneer Football League in third-down offense, while ranking third in the FCS in time of possession. Connolly also assisted Butler's special teams, coached the Bulldogs returners, and helped develop a Second Team All-Conference wide receiver. Before Butler, he worked as a graduate assistant at Ball State University and as a wide receivers coach at Carthage College.

"Coach Connolly is a players' coach who understands how important special teams and tight ends are to winning football games. His experience at Butler shows in the way he teaches situational football, accountability, and effort. He builds strong relationships with his players, values family and integrity, and brings a tough, detail-oriented approach that helps young men grow on the field and in life," Engle said.