ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University athletic officials have announced that the school’s vacant head football coaching position has drawn over 120 applicants as of Thursday morning.  Review of applications began on Nov. 23 and will continue until the position is filled.

“We’re excited, not just about the number of applications we’ve received, but the quality of those applicants is astounding,” said NSU Athletic Director Bob Olson, who is also heading the search committee.  “It’s nice to know that this position at this institution can attract so many applicants with the high level of qualifications that we’re seeing.  It makes it tough to narrow down our choices.”

Olson added that the school is committing to several improvements that are both program-specific and department-wide.

“We’re committed to running a successful football program and developing that program into a strong competitor in the Northern Sun conference,” he said.  “We believe the changes we’re making will be a benefit, not just to the football program, but to the athletic department as a whole.”

“We are moving quickly toward the completion of our football coaching search,” said President James Smith. “Our athletic department has worked tirelessly on this project, and selecting the right person to work with our scholar athletes is a key priority for all of us here at NSU.  We all know and value the importance of a winning football program that graduates great young men with remarkable futures.”

On campus interviews will begin this week and continue until the position is filled.