UND Football Speaks on Head Coaching Search; Bubba Schweigert Stepping Down

INTERIM HEAD COACH AND OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR ISSAC FRUECHTE, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BILL CHAVES AND BUBBA SCHWEIGERT ALL SPOKE AT A MONDAY PRESS CONFERENCE.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) – North Dakota football is searching for its next head coach after Bubba Schweigert announced over the weekend he is stepping down after 11 seasons.

In total, Schweigert coached for about 40 years with 25 of them at the University of North Dakota. Now, a new era is on the Horizon.

The University announced that Schweigert would be transitioning into a new role within the athletic department.

UND’s Athletic Director, Bill Chaves, talked about the timeline and expectation for the new head coach during a press conference.

“We are going to go as quick as we can, but we are going to be very very thorough,” said Chaves. “There are a number of people that will be qualified to do this job. But, in my mind, hopefully there will be one that rises above all to say this is their time now. The next time I am at this podium will be introducing the next head coach of the University of North Dakota.”

The job posting is set to close on Wednesday, December 4 which is also the first day of the three-day early signing period for Division I football.

The job posting lists two note worthy requirements: recruiting experience in the central time zone and at least eight years of full-time coaching experience.

Schweigert coached the flagship university to a 66-52 record over the past 11 seasons. He said during Monday’s press conference that there was no clear time table that led him to the decision to step down, but that he reached the point in his life where it was time to move on.

An emotional Schweigert also discussed what coaching at North Dakota has meant to him.

“One part about coaching, you got to anticipate what might happen,” said Schweigert wiping tears. “Just thanks to my family to get support and what they sacrifice really means a lot to me. I think it’s pretty apparent how I feel about this place.”

Taking over on an interim basis while the search begins for a new head coach is offensive coordinator Isaac Fruechte.

With early signing day for high school recruits on Wednesday, December 4, and the transfer portal opening, Fruechte emphasized the importance of retaining the programs recruits and being active to improve the team through the portal during the transition.

“Right when coach talked to us about what was going to transpire we had a really good plan of moving forward,” said Fruechte. “We got to make sure that we keep our committed guys committed so Wednesday goes smooth. We keep everybody, you know, that’s going to be a part of our family a part of our family. We’re going to try and do what we can to find the best players and the best fit for our program.”

As for Schweigert’s new role, the title is officially: the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Engagement and Mentorship. He says he is looking forward to this new way to help the program.

“It is really important for college athletics,” said Schweigert. “Yeah. I think that’s really important, how you relate to supporters, how all those things are important and then to mentor coaches. I’m looking forward to it.”

Schweigert will begin the position on January 1.

There is no official date set for the announcement of the new head coach.