FROM THE MINES TO THE IFL

Celebrating Coach Colton Hansen’s Rise

A quarterback at heart: colton’s early football roots

Before he ever held a clipboard, Colton Hansen was holding a football.

He began his football journey as a quarterback, working his way up through the ranks with a drive that quickly set him apart. His understanding of the field, his natural leadership, and his competitive edge earned him opportunities to play at a professional level, where he sharpened his football IQ and learned the finer points of the game from the perspective only a signal caller truly knows.

Those years weren’t just seasons, they were the foundation of the coach he would become.

from player to teacher: building his legacy through coaching

When Colton transitioned from playing to coaching, he didn’t take shortcuts. He embraced every level of the sport.
- Youth Football, where he learned how to inspire and teach
- Developmental/Amateur Programs, where he refined his systems
- Mentorship Roles, where he shaped young athletes on and off the field

Each stop added depth to his philosophy and fire to his passion. His ability to connect with athletes of every age made him stand out, not just as a coach, but as a leader.

arriving at the dubuque miners: a fit built for success

When Colton joined the Dubuque Miners, he quickly became more than just another coach on staff.

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
He stepped in with a clear vision, build an offense that could compete, adapt, and strike with precision. His creativity and discipline elevated our offensive identity and helped form the foundation of who we are today.

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH
Through his work ethic and leadership, Colton earned the role of Associate Head Coach along side current Head Coach, Jarvis Thomas. This brought stability, trust, and a standard of professionalism that pushed our team forward. His presence was felt in every meeting room, every practice, and every sideline.
Shortly after gaining this new role within the Dubuque Miners, Colton received the call up to the big leagues. And when the IFL knocks, you answer.
His impact didn’t just make our players better, it made our organization better.

a new era begins: hansen joins the new mexico chupacabras (ifl)

Now, Coach Hansen steps into a new frontier as he takes on the new role of Offensive Coordinator for the New Mexico Chupacabras of the Indoor Football League. A top-tier professional organization within the largest arena league in the country.

This move isn’t just a reflection of his talent, it’s a testament to the work he put in here, the growth he earned, and the reputation he built through humility and determination.

We couldn’t be more proud!

He is joining a franchise entering a new era of it’s own, and there is no doubt he will bring the same fire, intelligence, and leadership that became synonymous with his time in Dubuque.

from all of us at miners nation

Coach Hansen’s journey is everything our organization stands for.

- Hard Work
- Character
- Growth
- Opportunity earned, not given
- Community focused

While we will miss his presence on our sideline, we are honored to have played a chapter in his story. And we know without question that he will represnet Dubuque, our brand, and the Miners’ standard at the highest level.

We’re behind you, Coach, every step of the way!

once a miner, always a miner.

why this matters to the miners’ mission

Coach Hansen’s success reflects the very heart of why the Dubuque Miners were created in the first place.
From day one, our vision has been larger than football. We set out to build a program that creates real opportunities, not just for players, but for coaches, staff, volunteers, and everyone who chooses to be part of the Miners Family.

A program where people can grow:

- as leaders
- as professionals
- as community builders
- as human beings working toward something greater together

Seeing Coach Hansen take this next step is proof that the Miners are more than a team.
We are a launching point.
A place where people can rise.
A community dedicated to lifting one another up and helping each other advance in football and in life.

And moments like this remind us why we keep pushing forward.