MARIETTA — New Marietta College head football coach Tom Hinkle recently announced two new additions on his coaching staff for the 2026 season. New to the staff is Darnell Ishman, who will be coaching the wide receivers in the upcoming season, and Andrew Puckett, who will serve as the defensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator.

Coach Hinkle expressed enthusiasm for the new hires, stating, “I couldn’t be more excited to add these young coaches to the Pioneer family. They share the same passion, drive, and energy as the rest of our staff and players. Marietta football is in good hands for the foreseeable future.”

A 2023 graduate of Madonna University, Ishman spent the previous season as the running backs coach for Findlay University. During his time at Findlay, the team’s rushing offense improved from fifth to second in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. In addition to developing the running backs, Ishman assisted with game and practice planning and was an active recruiter.

The Springfield, Ohio native began his collegiate playing career at Cincinnati Christian University before transferring to Madonna in 2020 following CCU’s closure. He was a highly decorated offensive lineman at Madonna. After graduation, Ishman also gained experience as a graduate assistant at Wittenberg University for two years, where he coached running backs.

“Darnell comes highly recommended from coaching staffs that have had great success.”

said Coach Hinkle. “He is a hard worker who is going to bring that mentality to our Wide Receiver room.”

Puckett, a 2023 graduate of Kalamazoo College, spent the last two seasons as a graduate assistant outside linebackers coach for his alma mater. In this role, he helped develop outside linebackers within a 3-4 Defensive scheme. Puckett proved to be a master recruiter for Kalamazoo, successfully signing over 11 student-athletes. He also interned with Western Michigan University’s Strength & Conditioning program for a summer, gaining experience with a Division I program.

“Andrew brings experience working with the Defensive Line and some Strength and Conditioning knowledge that will fill our staff needs perfectly,” said Coach Hinkle. “He brings a combination of youth and experience that will be vital to keeping the culture here intact.”

The Pioneers will open the 2026 season at Don Drumm Stadium and will welcome in Westminster College for a special Thursday night showcase on Sept. 3, with the kickoff slated for 7 p.m.