HELENA, Mont. -- The Carroll College football team added Patrick Haynes to its staff as an assistant coach, coach Troy Purcell announced on Monday. 

"I'm excited to have Pat Haynes join our staff," Purcell said. "He's a coach's kid with high character that loves the game of football. His vast knowledge of coaching and building player relationships is top notch. His passion and energy will lift the defense to new heights." 

Haynes will work with the defensive backs and assist with the Fighting Saints' strength and conditioning program. Haynes joins the Saints after spending the past season at Knox College as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. He's spent eight years coaching defensive backs and the past five seasons at private colleges at the NCAA D-II and D-III levels. 

"I am grateful to Coach Purcell and Athletic Director Charlie Gross for the opportunity to join the Carroll football family," Haynes said. "Carroll has a long and proud tradition of excellence that I am excited to be a part of. I look forward to working with great student-athletes on a daily basis.

Haynes played defensive back and punter at Minnesota State University Moorhead from 2008-10. 

Haynes holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from Black Hills State University.