WSU Warriors Football - 2024

[34blast]

I heard about this potentially 2 days ago from an inside source. I didn't not want to post yet. One rumor is he is going back to South Dakota State. Not sure it was only his idea to resign or what. Not clear yet. Also heard DC coach Ericson leaving as well, hard to tell rumors from facts right now. Should become more clear shortly.

Update: Bergstrom will return to SDSU as defensive coordinator
https://winonaradio.com/2025/01/08/b...e-job-at-sdsu/

[WSUWarriorFan]

I don't have any knowledge on the program other than what I see on the boards or twitter but I feel like the team regressed the last couple years. Kind of wondered if he would be out the door in a season or two. Guessing it was a mutual resignation.

[vikingfaithful]

I don't have any knowledge on the program other than what I see on the boards or twitter but I feel like the team regressed the last couple years. Kind of wondered if he would be out the door in a season or two. Guessing it was a mutual resignation.

Bergstrom is essentially returning to his previous position at SDSU where he was co-d coordinator. I agree there is more to the story then him simply taking a new job. There is much potential at WSU. Augie's D coordinator, a WI. native and terrific recruiter would be a good candidate, that's if he's looking. I hope not.

[Matt Witwicki]

To my understanding Bergy will be calling the D this time around..where he was a Co-DC before and I assume Rogers was calling the D.

quick take: I chatted with Bergy back when they visited Augie during the season. We chatted for about 15 mins pregame on the sideline. We’ve always gotten along very well, genuinely nice person. He told me of how he and his family were really enjoying this return trip to the SF area and seeing a lot of old friends. The way he spoke about it made me wonder if he and his family were really missing being in the area and if someday he might look to return if Augie opened up or something. Well, he’s returning.

As for his time at Winona..8-3 and makes the playoffs in year one..then gets blown out in R1. After that things kinda were never the same..5-6 each of the next two years and a blowout loss at Minot to end this year surely left a bad taste for Warriors fans. The offense was an issue for the better part of his stint at Winona and I’m guessing Bergy is heady enough to sense this stay in Winona wasn’t going quite as planned and at the same time this good opportunity for a fresh start arose.

While Coach Sawyer was the model for running a program and staying around for it, he’s now the exception not the rule.

Winona is looked at throughout the league as one of the top jobs considering its location, not a real spendy price tag, and having a winning tradition. They’ve had good support in the past but I don’t know specifically what that looks like today. Coach Sawyer was pretty candid about this with me during his days. They were fully funded before other NSIC teams pre covid.

I’d expect some top coordinators in the NSIC and maybe surrounding areas to have interest, maybe even some sitting head coaches who would see this as a better place to try and win, etc.

[34blast]

I don't have any knowledge on the program other than what I see on the boards or twitter but I feel like the team regressed the last couple years. Kind of wondered if he would be out the door in a season or two. Guessing it was a mutual resignation.

In the Winona radio article it said the athletic director, Eric Schoh was surprised, not sure if true, but if true was kinda one sided and blind sided athletic department.

First Bergy is a great guy and good man. However, Yes, the team regressed the last couple of years, back to back 5-6 seasons isn't good enough. Things were trending in the wrong direction. Some felt the previous staff was much more experienced and seasoned across the board. Recruiting also seemed to be subpar compared to the previous staff. I know there was a huge emphasis on the right kinda guys to build the program around and culture versus just good football players. Many of the key contributors this year were still recruited by the previous staff

Honestly, this move could end up being better for both parties.

Last 3 years
2022 8-4
2023 5-6
2024 5-6

Tom Sawyer the previous coach was there 25 years, 3 losing seasons, first season and 2014-15. Last 5 years,

2016	8-3		.727
2017	10-2		.833
2018	8-3		.727
2019	8-4		.667
2021	7-4		.636

[fanofnsic]

Schoh is leaving too.

[Purple Mav Man]

Schoh is leaving too.

Welcome back

[34blast]

Schoh is leaving too.

Interesting have not heard anything like that

[WSUWarriorFan]

Interesting have not heard anything like that

The school announced a couple minutes ago that he's moving on in March and pursuing a job outside of sports.

[34blast]

The school announced a couple minutes ago that he's moving on in March and pursuing a job outside of sports.

Thanks just saw it https://winonastatewarriors.com/news...athletics.aspx

[Matt Witwicki]

Bergy had to have known of this already..which might’ve made his jumping off point for SDSU all the easier = a sense of since that was the AD that hired him.

Anyway, I’d expect some good apps here. Ideal location, good setups, facilities..middle of the pack maybe, and good local support.

[Stanger86]

Stay away from the Flowers family!

[CollegeFBGuy]

Stay away from the Flowers family!

Who are they?

[Stanger86]

Who are they?

The current SMSU AD is Jen (Jepson) Flowers, former Winona State volleyball player (all-conference in 2002) and former Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) commissioner. Her husband is Jonte Flowers, former Winona State men's basketball player and a member of the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame and the NSIC Hall of Fame for his role on the two-time national champions.

[Matt Witwicki]

For entertainment purposes, I will throw out some potential names for the head coach spot for the Warriors.

Isaac Fruecte - he’s we retained as the UND OC, but unsure on what his contract looks like from a stability standpoint. He’s from near Winona and played for his old man in HS etc.

Joel Osborn - Benedictine HC, NAIA. They lost in the national semis, beat MSide during the year, etc. Played at NWMSU and was a co-OC there. From Harlan, IA. Not sure a coach from the NAIA would get Winona locals fired up by the hire or not. He would be a good choice tho.

Chase Vogler - OC from UMD. Former star QB who won a natty, done well running their offense.

An existing D3 coach from WI/MN. (Surely plenty to consider, I know zero about them)

Charlie Cosgrove - existing OC, lots of experience. If they go this direction, make that decision sooner than later to stop the portal bleeding.

Brian Curtin - current interim HC, has been on staff for 20 years..but unsure he’s wanting that role or if they are looking to hire from within, etc. very well liked in the community and by players. Bleeds purple.

Certainly plenty of others are qualified and such. These are just the names that came to mind in my own head.

I would guess Cosch Sawyer would be heavily involved with landing on the new hire here, especially with AD turnover approaching.