Bob Motzko out as Gophers’ hockey coach after 8 seasons
The Brief
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- Bob Motzko will not return as Gophers’ men’s hockey coach next season, FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich has confirmed.
- The Gophers had a disappointing season, finishing 11-22-3 overall and not getting to the NCAA Tournament.
- Motzko led the Gophers to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2023 national title game.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9/KVRR) – University of Minnesota men’s hockey coach Bob Motzko will not return next season, FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich has confirmed.
Bob Motzko out as Gophers’ coach
What we know:
The Gophers had a disappointing season in 2025-26 finishing 11-22-3 overall and 7-15-2 in Big Ten play. Their season ended in a 6-2 loss last Wednesday to Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament.
Minnesota would’ve needed to win the Big Ten Tournament to earn an NCAA Tournament bid. Motzko went 172-104-24 in eight seasons with the Gophers.
Minnesota went to consecutive Frozen Fours with Motzko in 2021-22 and 2022-23, getting to the national title game in 2023 before losing to Union. The Gophers won three Big Ten titles and earned five NCAA Tournament trips under Motzko.
Since the initial report, the school has announced Motzko’s departure.
Statement from Mark Coyle
“I want to thank Bob for leading our team for the last eight seasons. In addition to winning Big Ten titles, the team advanced to the Men’s Frozen Four twice and played in the national championship game in 2023.
“Bob coached 15 All-Americans and three future Olympians at Minnesota. He is a great coach and we wish him well in the future.
“We will immediately begin a nationwide search for our next head coach.”
Statement from Bob Motzko
“This was my 42nd year in coaching, and at this stage in my career, now is the right time for new leadership. I have dedicated 14 years to this program as a head coach, assistant coach and student. I am grateful for every minute of it. In addition to working with so many incredible student-athletes, it was great to see the arena full again and the passion restored to our program. One of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of my eight years was reconnecting with and uniting our alumni and having them involved with our program. It was a tremendous honor to be part of this incredible University.”
Gophers fire Brad Frost
Why you should care:
Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle will be searching for two new head hockey coaches next season. On Tuesday, Brad Frost was fired after 19 seasons, and four national titles.
