Staff

Brett Funke joined the Sioux City Bandits organization in August 2021 as a Sales and Marketing Executive. After quickly developing a strong passion for the organization and the game of football, Brett continued to take on additional responsibilities, eventually serving as Director of Marketing and later as Team President.

As the organization prepares for the 2027 season, Brett steps into a new leadership role as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of the Sioux City Bandits. He will also serve as the team's representative and Director on the National Arena League Board of Directors.

Brett's connection to football began at a young age. He played the game throughout his youth and continued playing until the age of 24, including time with the Iowa Sharks at the semi-professional level. His lifelong appreciation for the sport has helped shape his passion for building a successful and community-focused football organization in Siouxland.

A Sioux City resident, Brett is married to his high school sweetheart, Ann. Together, they have three children who attend Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools. In addition to his work with the Bandits, Brett owns and operates several businesses in the Siouxland area.

Outside of the Bandits, Brett works as a photographer covering NCAA athletics and Iowa Hawkeye events. He also operates a marketing agency and is the founder and organizer of the Tri-State Siouxtacular Card Show, a growing community event that brings collectors and families together from across the Midwest.

When he finds time away from work, Brett enjoys spending time with his family and learning the game of golf. After being away from the sport for more than a decade, golf has become a new passion and one of his favorite ways to relax.

As a Sioux City resident, business owner, and father, Brett is passionate about helping strengthen the Siouxland community. His goal is to continue building the Sioux City Bandits into an organization the community can be proud of and a destination for affordable, family-friendly entertainment for fans of all ages.

Erv Strohbeen has been a part of Sioux City indoor football since the very beginning. A lifelong Sioux City resident, Strohbeen was one of the first players signed to the organization when it began as the Sioux City Attack in 2000. He went on to spend nine seasons as a player, primarily at center, becoming one of the longest-tenured players in franchise history before transitioning from the field to the sidelines.

After beginning his coaching career, Strohbeen was named Head Coach of the Sioux City Bandits in 2012. Since then, he has become one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in indoor football. His leadership has helped guide the Bandits through multiple leagues, championship runs, and some of the most successful seasons in franchise history. His accomplishments include an undefeated 14-0 season and APFL Championship in 2012, a CPIFL Coach of the Year honor in 2014, and a CIF Championship and Coach of the Year recognition in 2015. He has also led the Bandits to multiple playoff appearances and championship games throughout his tenure.

More than his accomplishments, Erv's connection to the Bandits is rooted in his passion for the organization and the Siouxland community. Having been there from the beginning, he understands what the team means to its players, coaches, fans, and the community it represents. His relationships and commitment to the program have helped create a culture where former players and coaches often return to continue building the Bandits tradition.

Leading into the 2027 season, Strohbeen will take on an expanded leadership role as the Sioux City Bandits' General Manager and Director of Football Operations while remaining the team's Head Coach. In these roles, he will oversee all aspects of the football operation, including player personnel, coaching, recruiting, and the continued development of the organization on and off the field.

Away from football, Erv owns and operates Sticky Stuff Concessions and works professionally as a pharmaceutical sales representative. He and his wife, Amanda, are proud parents of three children: Tyson, Carson, and Ashlyn. Their son Carson is currently a long snapper at South Dakota State University.

As the Bandits prepare for the next chapter of their history, few people are more closely connected to the organization than Erv Strohbeen. From being one of the first players to sign with the franchise to becoming its longtime Head Coach and now stepping into an expanded leadership role, Erv's journey has been intertwined with Sioux City football for more than 25 years.

Marlon Lobban has built his football career around the Sioux City Bandits organization, first as a standout player and now as one of the most important leaders within the team’s football operations.

Lobban originally earned his opportunity with the Bandits through an open tryout and quickly developed into one of the premier defensive players in indoor football. A linebacker for the Bandits from 2011 through 2017, he became known for his instincts, physical style of play, and understanding of the game. His success on the field earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 and helped establish him as one of the most respected players of his era.

Following his playing career, Lobban made a seamless transition to the coaching staff. Recognizing his knowledge of the game and natural ability to lead, the Bandits entrusted him with the responsibility of Defensive Coordinator. Rather than working his way through multiple assistant positions, Lobban stepped directly into coordinating the defense—a role he has held for nearly a decade.

As Defensive Coordinator, Lobban has helped develop a defensive identity built around competitiveness, preparation, and creating disruption. His defenses have consistently emphasized forcing turnovers and giving the offense opportunities to capitalize. During the 2026 season, the Bandits defense was recognized for its disruptive play and ability to create turnovers throughout the season. His leadership and contributions were also recognized when he was named the 2025 National Arena League Assistant Coach of the Year.

In addition to his responsibilities on the field, Lobban has become an important part of the Bandits’ player personnel efforts. His experience as a former player who earned his own opportunity through an open tryout gives him a unique perspective when evaluating talent and identifying potential. He has developed a strong reputation for recruiting and helping uncover players who fit the Bandits culture and have the ability to succeed at the professional indoor football level.

For the 2027 season, Lobban will take on an expanded role as the Sioux City Bandits’ Director of Recruiting while continuing to serve as Defensive Coordinator. In these positions, he will oversee recruiting efforts, player evaluation, and the continued development of the Bandits defensive unit.

Lobban's connection to the Bandits goes beyond football. He has developed a close relationship with the organization, his fellow coaches, players, and the Siouxland community throughout his years with the team. His journey from open tryout participant to standout player and longtime coach represents the opportunities the Bandits organization strives to provide.

Away from football, Marlon is married to his wife, Jaime, and together they have four children: their son, Josiah, and three daughters, Naomi, Eden, and Delilah.

As the Bandits enter a new chapter in 2027, Lobban will continue to play a major role in shaping the future of the football operation. With his experience as a player, nearly a decade of leadership as a coordinator, and an eye for identifying and developing talent, he brings valuable experience and continuity to the organization.