Brandon Rooze is in his first season as a coach for the Thunder after finishing up a four-year playing career with the team.  During his time as a player, Rooze had a career record of 11-6 as a starter.  He finished his career fifth in school history in passing yards, completions, touchdowns and is third in completion percentage.  While at Trine, Rooze was also named a first-team academic all-region member as a senior. 

In his first season coaching for the Thunder, Rooze helped guide two all-conference performers in Jeffery Barnett, who was named a first-team All-MIAA selection, and Andrew Bonfiglio who was named second-team.  Rooze helped coach an offensive squad that finished in the top five in the country in yards per game, points, and passing efficiency.  The Thunder offense broke school records in 2017 for passing efficiency, yards per pass and was second in school history in points per game and yards per game.