MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University head football coach Tyler Hughes has resigned his position to pursue other interests, MSU Director of Athletics Andy Carter announced Friday.

"After careful thought and reflection, I have elected to step down as head football coach at Minot State University," said Hughes. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of those who have supported our program in such a wonderful way. First, our excellent administration led by Dr. Shirley and Andy Carter. Also, our great fans and supporters as well as the terrific staff and faculty at the university. I would like to thank an amazing group of coaches who give their best every day and the incredible players I have been so fortunate to coach. Lastly, I want to thank my wife Lisa and our boys for supporting me in this journey."

Hughes became the university's 20th head football coach April 19, 2014, spending three seasons with the Beavers. He was 5-28 overall.
"Decisions such as the one Tyler has made are difficult and not without much soul searching," Carter said. "I respect his decision and I thank Tyler and his family for their commitment, sacrifice, and hard work since their arrival in Minot. Tyler has given this program 100 percent effort since his arrival and for that, we are grateful."

The Beavers steadily improved under Hughes during the past three seasons both on and off the field. MSU won three games in 2016, going 3-8 overall to tie for the most wins in a season during the team's NCAA Division II era, after a pair of 1-10 seasons. The Beavers were the top ranked team in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in passing yards allowed and were fifth in NCAA Division II in net punting.

Off the field, MSU had its first ever player named Co-SIDA Academic All-America in Aaron La Deaux and four players were named to the All-NSIC North Division team.
In all, MSU had 17 All-NSIC North selections, two All-Region selections and 20 NSIC Fall All-Academic Team members in three seasons.

"The football program has been positioned very well to take many positive steps forward given the players, excellent facilities, the quality of Minot State's staff and faculty, and the terrific leadership of the school," said Hughes. "I just completed my MBA and I think the timing of everything is right for everyone. I don't think I could ever express how thankful I've been for the opportunity that has been provided to me here."

Carter named assistant coach Shane LaDage as interim head coach to help the program through the transition.

"Although these situations bring a sense of disappointment, it always quickly turns to optimism and excitement about an opportunity," Carter said. "We will begin immediately with a national search to find the next head coach for Minot State University."

About Minot State
Minot State University is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and NCAA Division II offering 14 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletics programs. The NSIC is a premier NCAA DII, 16-member conference featuring teams in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. The Beavers are the only public NCAA Division II institution in the state of North Dakota.