GRAND FORKS – University of North Dakota (UND) Director of Athletics Bill Chaves and Head Coach Bubba Schweigert jointly announced on Saturday, November 30, that Schweigert will be stepping down as head coach after 11 seasons at the helm and transitioning to a senior administrative role within the athletic department as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Engagement and Mentorship.

“I want to thank Coach Schweigert for his unbridled passion for the University of North Dakota,” said Chaves. “His legacy as a football coach will be forever remembered, but I look forward to working him on our senior leadership team in a different capacity so that he can continue to use his amazing skills for the betterment of UND, its alumni, coaches, staff and most importantly, all of our student-athletes.”

Schweigert will continue as head coach until a replacement is named. The national search will commence immediately and will abide by the university’s hiring practices.

“It was an honor to serve UND as its head football coach during my tenure in this position,” said Schweigert. “I love this university and the university’s athletic programs, and I look forward to serving them in whatever way I can.”

Schweigert served 11 seasons as the head coach of the North Dakota football program, helping UND reach new heights at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. The Zeeland, North Dakota, native exits fourth all-time in program history with 66 victories, guided UND to five postseason appearances, coached 16 All-America honorees and sent seven players to the professional ranks.

The Fighting Hawks captured a pair of conference titles under Schweigert, winning the Big Sky Conference crown in 2016 before claiming the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) title in 2020 in the program’s first year in the league.

Schweigert’s teams have shined in the classroom as well, with both individuals and his teams earning multiple conference and national accolades. UND has also claimed the prestigious MVFC All-Academic Award every year since joining the conference and earned three of the top five team GPAs of all-time in the MVFC.

In his new role, Schweigert will focus on fostering strong relationships with student-athletes, staff, alumni and the community. He will also work closely with various departments within the university to develop and implement programs that support the growth of student-athletes, coaches and staff.