It was hard to imagine that was going to go any other way. And now it is official.

In spite of some of the tedious and unfounded social media speculation to the contrary, our Montana guy will be staying in Montana, as University of Montana Sports Information Director Eric Taber tells us that today (Thursday) Bobby Hauck, the winningest football coach in Big Sky Conference history, has agreed to a new three-year contract with the University of Montana. That announcement from Director of Athletics Kent Haslam will keep Coach Hauck in Missoula through January of 2027.

The coach has led the Grizzlies to incredible success in his 12 overall seasons at Montana, with a 129-36 overall record, and a 49-19 record since returning in 2018. In 2023 he led Montana back to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship for the first time since 2009, and this past season became the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history.

FROM THE COACH HIMSELF

“I'm excited to continue representing the Montana Grizzlies, the University of Montana, and the state of Montana as the head football coach. (Wife) Stacey and I are committed to the future of Grizzly football and want to continue to have an impact on our players, our university, and our community.

"I am appreciative of the University, our president Seth Bodnar, Kent Haslam, and all the other people that make this the best college football environment in the country.”

SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Coach Hauck was named the Big Sky Coach of the Year at the end of the 2023 season. It is the fourth time in his career for that honore. He was also the AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year for the third time, and a finalist for the Eddie Robinson FCS Coach of the Year second time following the 2023 season.

And not only have his teams excelled on the field, they’ve also reached new heights in the classroom. Since his return in 2018, the Grizzlies have posted the best Grade Point Average in program history, with the team averaging a 3.0 or better GPA each semester, a rare achievement in college football.

Congratulations to the coach and the Griz. How many of you have already set your sights on August 31, when Montana will open the 2024 season against Missouri State in Missoula, for the first of, not six, but seven regular season home games!

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