ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University President Dr. James Smith has announced that Tom Dosch has accepted the head football coach position at NSU.  Most recently the inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Southern Illinois, Dosch becomes the 26th head coach in NSU’s 107-year football history.

“We are excited to have Coach Dosch join the ranks of Northern State University. The experience he has as a head coach combined with his success in area recruiting make him a perfect fit for this role,” said NSU President James Smith. “His experience and success both as a collegiate athlete and a student will transcend well to our priorities of superior performance both on the field and in the classroom. Welcome to Northern State.”

Dosch has spent the past two seasons at SIU, overseeing the inside linebackers and special teams for the Salukies, who won the Missouri Valley Conference title both years.  SIU qualified for the NCAA Division I-Football Championship Sub-Division (FCS) playoffs in both 2008 and 2009, finishing the 2008 season ranked eighth in the nation.  The Salukies were also ranked No. 1 in two national polls at the conclusion of the 2009 season.

Prior to his time at SIU, he compiled a 25-17 record in four seasons as the head coach at Jamestown College.  Under his direction, the Jimmies qualified for the NAIA playoffs twice and were ranked as high as sixth in the nation in 2007.  He also coached players to 14 All-America honors and 18 Academic All-America accolades in those four seasons.

Before taking over at Jamestown, Dosch spent eight years as the defensive line/outside linebackers coach at the University of North Dakota.  The Sioux won five North Central Conference titles (1993-94, 1999, 2001 and 2003) and made two national title game appearances (2001 and 2003) in that span, winning the Division II national crown in 2001.  Dosch was also a graduate assistant for the Sioux for the 1993-94 seasons.  All told, the Sioux compiled a record of 97-27 with 20 all-conference picks and nine All-Americans in his ten seasons on staff.

A 1992 graduate of Dickinson State University, Dosch was a 4-year letter-winner and a 2-year starter and is a current member of the school’s Hall of Fame.  He also earned two letters as a member of the basketball squad.  Following his playing career, he spent the 1991 season as the wide receivers coach for Dickinson State.

Dosch’s teams – as a player, head or assistant coach – have won 12 conference championships and advanced to the national playoffs 14 times, including two national title games.  He has also compiled a 185-64 record in games in which he has been involved in some capacity.

“Coach Dosch brings a tremendous amount of success at every level of football – from NAIA to NCAA Division I – to the table,” said NSU Athletic Director Bob Olson.  “He is a proven leader and winner, and will bring these qualities to our university and community.”

Dosch begins his duties immediately, and will relocate to Aberdeen after the Christmas holiday.