Brian Schwartze 
Football  Director of Operations


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 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.

Mark Alleyne
Assistant Director of Football Operations

Markus Alleyne was hired as assistant director of football operations in June. Alleyne was previously at Akron, where he worked the last four seasons. Alleyne, a native of Montreal, served as Akron’s director of player relations the last two seasons. He spent his initial two UA campaigns as a football operations assistant. Alleyne also coordinated the Zips’ community service projects.

In his position at Akron, he helped with the administrative duties, including coordination of team travel, summer camps and recruiting visits. Alleyne also served as the UA football program’s liaison with the NFL. In addition, he was the school’s academic support services contact.

Prior to joining the Akron staff Alleyne was an intern under the assistant general manager for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He also served an internship at the McGill University Sports Complex, and worked extensively with the YMCA Montreal.

Alleyne is fluent in both English and French.

Alleyne has a degree in recreation administration from Concordia University (Montreal), and a business administration degree from Vanier College (Montreal). In December of 2007, Alleyne received his master’s degree in sport management from Akron.

Ryan McKim
Assistant Recruiting Coordinator

Ryan McKim is in his second season as assistant recruiting coordinator at Iowa State. The Creston native is responsible for recruiting film, recruiting correspondence, and works as a liaison between the ISU football program and its NFL contacts. He also manages the Cyclone football recruiting database and is involved in the planning of official and unofficial visits.

McKim graduated with a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Iowa State in 2008. He worked as a football student assistant while attending ISU. Prior to coming to Iowa State in 2006, McKim earned a degree from Southwestern (Iowa) Community College.

McKim coached football at Creston High School while attending Southwestern.

McKim was a member of the Southwestern golf team. He was a national qualifier and junior college academic All-American. McKim was class salutatorian at Creston High School.