September 20th, 2026 1:00pm
MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State University head football coach, Scott Underwood, has announced his retirement on Sunday, effective immediately.
SMSU Vice President of Athletics, Travis Whipple, has named SMSU defensive coordinator, Levi Bullerman, as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Underwood, the 11th head coach in team history, was in his fifth season on the Mustang sidelines and retires after serving as a head coach at the Division II level for 17 seasons.
Underwood was hired as SMSU head coach on Jan. 7, 2022, following 12 seasons (2008-19) as head coach at St. Cloud State University.
"Coaching college football for the last 37 years has been a blessing to me and my family," Underwood said. "I am appreciative to the SMSU players, coaches, parents, and the Marshall community for their support over the last five seasons. I will continue to cheer on the Mustangs and wish success to all the student athletes and the SMSU Football program!"
Underwood concludes his head coaching career with record of 94-92. He compiled a mark of 86-52 with 10 winning seasons and three NCAA playoff appearances during his tenure at SCSU before the program was eliminated following the 2019 season. The 2011 NSIC Coach of the Year, Underwood's teams won seven or more games seven times, including a school record 12 victories in 2013. The Huskies made NCAA playoff appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2013 and won a share of both the NSIC North Division and NSIC overall championship in 2011.
Prior to taking over as head coach at SCSU, Underwood served seven seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Huskies (2001-07). He was also the inside linebackers coach at the University of North Dakota for four seasons (1997-2000) and served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Sioux Falls for four seasons (1993-96). Underwood began his coaching career at his alma mater, Augustana University, spending five seasons as the defensive secondary coach (1988-92).
"I personally want to thank Coach Underwood for his commitment to Mustang Athletics and his work over the last five years," Whipple said. "I also want to acknowledge his 17 seasons as head coach and the impact he has made with countless student-athletes. We wish Scott the very best in this next chapter."
SMSU, currently 1-3 overall, 0-3 NSIC, returns home to face Wayne State College on Saturday, Sept. 26, with kickoff set for 5 p.m.