ABERDEEN, S.D. – Tom Dosch, a veteran of 16 years in collegiate coaching, was introduced as the 26th head coach in the 107-year history of Northern State football by University President James Smith Monday.

“I don’t think there’s any question that Northern State University was the right situation for me.  There’s been a commitment made starting at the top with Dr. (James) Smith, (Athletic Director) Bob Olson, and all the way through the athletic department to make this an attractive position, and make it a place where you can have success.”

“You look at the tradition of a place, the tradition of Northern State University football-wise and certainly athletically, it is really something.  Any time you look at a school and see names such as Swisher, Wachs, Kretchman, Bob Olson, Curt Fredrickson, Don Meyer, and you look at guys that have been very successful coaches and have been there for an extended period of time – any time somebody stays at a place a long time, 25-35 years or more – you can tell that it is probably a good place to be, or else you wouldn’t have quality people staying that long.  That’s something that really tells me something about the school and the tradition of the athletic department.”

“I’m fortunate.  I’m happy to be apart of the history of Northern State University and Northern State football, and certainly the community of Aberdeen.”

Prior to his hiring, Dosch had spent the past two seasons at Southern Illinois University, 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.

Dosch’s family has some familiarity with the university including his father, Al Dosch, who is a 1969 graduate of Northern State.  He retired as the winningest high school football coach in North Dakota history with a record of 229-61-4.

He and his wife, Tina, have a 4-year-old daughter (Lauren) and 2-year-old son (Matthew).

Northern State University is an NCAA Division II affiliated school participating in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

**GO WOLVES**