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University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

The Official Site of Central Oklahoma University Athletics Central Oklahoma Athletics
Hayden Ekern

Hayden Ekern

  • Title
    Assistant Football Coach/Wide Receivers
  • Email
    hekern@uco.edu
  • Phone
    405-974-3431
Hayden Ekern spent one year as a graduate assistant at Central Oklahoma and after a brief semester away, returns in 2026 as an assistant coach. 

The Chicago native will coach wide receivers this fall at UCO. Ekern started his college career at the University of South Dakota (2019-21) before spending three seasons at Minnesota State (2022-24). He came to Edmond in January of 2025 and began working with the UCO running backs. After coaching the position during the 2025 season, Ekern left UCO for Upper Iowa, where he took a full-time position. He returned to Central Oklahoma in May 2026. 

Ekern helped coach the UCO backfield to a stellar season. The Bronchos averaged 195.4 rushing yards per game and scored 23 rushing touchdowns. 

As a student-athlete at MSU quarterbacking the Maverick teams that made three consecutive NCAA Division II Football Championship playoff appearances, Ekern threw for more than 8,500 yards and 73 career passing touchdowns. He also rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 29 career rushing touchdowns.

Ekern earned his bachelor of science in business management and his master of business administration from Minnesota State University. 
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