(STATS) – Reigning FCS champion North Dakota State acted quickly this week to name its next head coach, but it didn’t have to look far.
Athletic director Matt Larsen announced the promotion of defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Matt Entz on Thursday, just three days after fifth-year coach Chris Klieman was named Kansas State’s new coach.
As previously planned, Klieman will remain on the sideline through North Dakota State’s playoff run. The Bison host South Dakota State in a national semifinal Friday night and are chasing a record seventh FCS title since 2011.
“Great things happen to great people, and I am so happy for the Entz family,” Klieman said. “Matt is the right guy for the job. I know the Bison will have unbelievable success. The program is in great hands.”
Entz, 46, becomes a head coach for the first time. The graduate of Wartburg College is a 21-year veteran assistant coach, having also held defensive coordinator responsibilities in the Missouri Valley Football Conference at Northern Iowa and Western Illinois as well at Winona State and Illinois College. In addition, he was on the staff at Wayne State.
He is a three-time finalist for FCS Coordinator of the Year while leading the Bison’s traditionally stout defense. In his five seasons, there have been eight players to earn All-America distinction.
“I am unbelievably excited to get going and start the process of becoming the next head football coach at NDSU,” Entz said. “I can’t thank President (Dean) Bresciani and Matt Larsen enough for this opportunity.
“My five years with Coach Klieman have been outstanding on a professional level and a personal level as well,” Entz continued. “We’ll miss having that day-to-day interaction. But I don’t think you’ll see any big changes. NDSU has a recipe that has been successful and will continue to be successful into the future.”
Entz was considered a popular choice in Fargo to succeed Klieman, although Larsen could have looked outside to former NDSU assistants such as Iowa offensive line coach Tim Polasek and Wyoming offensive coordinator Brent Vigen.
Once Entz was tabbed as the 31st head coach in Bison history, positive reaction poured in.
Former All-America linebacker Nick DeLuca, now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, tweeted, “Let’s go!!! Couldn’t be happier for this guy.. best coach, mentor and role model you can ask for!!”
Former All-America punter Ben LeCompte tweeted: “Refreshing to know Bison Football is in good hands. Looking forward to many great years to come.”
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