An experienced line coach with success on both sides of the ball, Alex Kastens joined the University of Mary coaching staff in March 2020 after five impressive seasons at Carroll College.
A former all-conference player at Carroll, Kastens originally joined the Saints coaching staff in spring 2015 as an assistant offensive line and tight ends coach before taking over as the defensive line coach in 2016. During his three seasons on defense, Kastens coached a trio of all-conference performers and the Saints topped the Frontier Conference defensive leaderboard in several categories. He moved back to the offensive line in 2019 and the Saints finished 1st in the conference and 10th in the country for fewest sacks allowed as three of his linemen earned all-conference honors. At Carroll he also served as the head strength and conditioning coach.
Kastens was a two-year team captain and a three-year starter at center who twice won first team all-conference honors (2013, 2014) and was named academic all-conference in 2014. He graduated from Carroll College in 2015 with a degree in history and political science.
“Coach Kastens brings a wealth of knowledge to our program with his experience working alongside Coach Mike Van Diest at Carroll College,” said Bagnell. “He was a great offensive lineman for the Saints who transitioned to coaching the defensive line. The experience of playing on the other side of the ball and how offensive lines will operate will help our defensive front continue to grow. Alex is a high energy guy who understands recruiting and how to get the best out of his players.”
