Cole Popovich begins his second season as an assistant football coach at Minot State University. Popovich was promoted in 2015 to the team's Run Game Coordinator, but will still work mainly with the offensive line.
He worked with a young offensive line in 2014 and helped the Beavers improve throughout the season up front. MSU rushed for 308 of its 602 total yards on the ground over the final four games and scored four of its five rushing TDs in the final four weeks of the season.
"Cole has a great understanding of what it takes to be successful up front," said MSU head coach Tyler Hughes. "His expertise in the run game has been felt by our staff and players. I'm looking forward to seeing our run game progress with Cole at the helm."
Popovich is originally from Oakhurst, Calif., where he starred for Yosemite (Calif.) High School. He played collegiately at Fresno State and coached two seasons at Fresno City College and one season at LA Valley College. He comes to Minot State after two seasons as an assistant at Utah State, coaching mainly the offensive line.
He had an outstanding collegiate career at Fresno State, earning Unanimous All American by the Sports News, Football Writers, College Football News and ESPN.com in 2004. He was a four-year starter on the offensive line, going to bowl games all four seasons. In 2007, he earned the Paul Schechter Courage Award, given to the one athlete on who has overcome obstacles to return to the playing field.
Popovich started his coaching career at LA Valley College in Van Nuys, Calif., working as the team’s strength and conditioning coordinator and offensive line coach. He was the offensive line coach and academic center supervisor at Fresno City College from 2011-2013.
While coaching at Utah State over the past two seasons, Popovich helped the Aggies to a 9-4 record, winning the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference and a Poinsettia Bowl win.
He was the team’s offensive graduate assistant, helping with scouting reports, film and reviewing personnel. He was served as a monitor for the team’s academics and assisted in recruiting in California.
Popovich is married and has two sons.
Cole Popovich Quick Facts
Hometown: Oakhurst, Calif. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
High School: Yosemite          Â
Alma-Mater: Fresno State, 2008 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Years in Coaching: 6 (2nd at Minot State)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Wife: Jessica                                 Â
Children: Two sons                           Â
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