Wyoming OC Tim Polasek Named New Head Coach at NDSU

LARAMIE -- Tim Polasek is heading back to Fargo.

Wyoming's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach has been named the next head coach at North Dakota State, returning to the program he helped lead to six conference titles and four FCS national championships as an assistant.

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Polasek will replace Matt Entz, who seven days ago accepted an assistant coaching position at USC.

No. 8 NDSU fell to second-ranked Montana 31-29 in double overtime Saturday afternoon in the FCS semifinals in Missoula.

"I am absolutely ecstatic to be back home at North Dakota State," Polasek told gobison.com. "It means so much to return to such a special place that has been incredibly formative professionally and personally. I am deeply honored to be able to give back to Fargo, the region and Bison football."

During his 10 previous seasons at NDSU, Polasek, who has never been a head coach at any level, served as an offensive coordinator (2014-16), special teams and recruiting coordinator (2012), a running backs coach (2007-11) and a graduate assistant (2006).

"I am thrilled to welcome Tim and Jill Polasek back to the Bison family," NDSU Athletics Director Matt Larsen said on the school's website. "North Dakota State has one of the premier football programs in the country with incredibly high expectations and an unmatched fan base. Having been at NDSU two different times, Coach Polasek understands what it takes to be a Bison, appreciates our long history and tradition, and has the diverse experience to continue moving our football program forward."

His first seven seasons in Fargo were spent under then head coach Craig Bohl. That duo led the Bison to a pair of national titles in 2011 and '12. Bohl would win one more before accepting the job at Wyoming before the 2014 campaign.

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The two would reunite in Laramie in 2021 when Polasek was tasked with running the Cowboys offense.

Known for his raw emotion and passionate coaching style, Polasek continued the tradition of a run-heavy attack that Bohl had become known for during his tenure. Running back Xazavian Valladay and Co. averaged nearly 212 yards per game on the ground during Polasek's first season on the high plains, which ranked the Cowboys No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 20 in the FBS. Titus Swen also eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2022.

Quarterback Andrew Peasley threw for 1,823 yards this fall while completing 60.6% of his passes. He also tossed 20 touchdown passes during the regular season compared to just five interceptions. Running back Harrison Waylee rushed for 856 yards despite an injury-plagued first year in Laramie.

Polasek helped lead the Cowboys to three straight postseason appearances and a 22-16 overall record.

"Tim's passion is palpable and his ability to build relationships with our current players, future recruits, donors, alumni and fans is one of his greatest strengths. I am excited about this new era of Bison football," Larsen added.

It's not clear whether Polasek will be with the team at the upcoming Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl Dec. 30 in Tucson.

Bohl announced his retirement Dec. 6 after spending a decade on the sidelines at Wyoming. Defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel, on the same day, was named the 33rd head coach in the program's history.

Sawvel will now be tasked with finding a new play caller and a defensive coordinator.

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