Former Blue Dragon player Conner Lierz joins the Blue Dragon coaching staff this season.

Lierz will serve as the Tight Ends coach and as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Lierz, a in-state product from Manhattan, played on the offensive line for the Blue Dragons in 2018 and 2019. He was a 2019 all-conference honorable mention selection for the No. 3-ranked Blue Dragons.

After Hutchinson, Lierz moved onto Emporia State University. At ESU, Lierz was a two-year starter and two-year all-MIAA performer – first team in 2022 and second team in 2021). Lierz was nominated for the 2024 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award.