FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[hazzben]

wow! 

https://athletics.bethel.edu/news/2023/10/30/steve-johnson-announces-retirement-at-end-of-2023-football-season.aspx

It's official ... end of an era is an understatement. 35 seasons and retires as the winningest active coach in D3. Hope they make a run to send him out in style!

[DuffMan]

Incredible.  As I was listening to the ATN podcast today, I thought to myself, "I wonder how many more years SJ has in him?"  I guess the answer is zero

[OzJohnnie]

wow! 

https://athletics.bethel.edu/news/2023/10/30/steve-johnson-announces-retirement-at-end-of-2023-football-season.aspx

That's a bummer.  I hope he's got a great assistant who can step in and keep the train rolling.

[Retired Old Rat]

wow! 

https://athletics.bethel.edu/news/2023/10/30/steve-johnson-announces-retirement-at-end-of-2023-football-season.aspx

That's a bummer.  I hope he's got a great assistant who can step in and keep the train rolling.

I heard hazzben is the early favorite.

[Ice Bear]

wow! 

https://athletics.bethel.edu/news/2023/10/30/steve-johnson-announces-retirement-at-end-of-2023-football-season.aspx

What an incredible career. SJ is one of the most amazing coaches in this game across all divisions. I wish him nothing but the best and I hope there is someone ready to step in and keep the Bethel level of football going.

Or

Maybe this will be like the Godfather part 3 and they will "pull him back in." Probably not and after all he's done he deserves to do this on his terms and enjoy time anyway he wants. What a coach!

[Johns Knees]

He's going to be hard to replace. Can anyone think of a better turnaround job in D3 than what he did at Bethel?

They were bad.

[DuffMan]

I've never been a fan of him (hard to believe, I know), but I have lots of respect for the program he's created at Bethel.

[sjusection105]

wow! 

https://athletics.bethel.edu/news/2023/10/30/steve-johnson-announces-retirement-at-end-of-2023-football-season.aspx

It'd been a good run. He'll be hard to replace. Enjoy retirement SJ

[SagatagSam]

Everyone at Concordia-Moorhead just said, "Awwww.... sh*t!! Now Bethel's got the 'let's win one for the Gipper' energy for this weekend!"

[corn horn]

Everyone at Concordia-Moorhead just said, "Awwww.... sh*t!! Now Bethel's got the 'let's win one for the Gipper' energy for this weekend!"

That is exactly what has been in my head since I heard the news.

[OzJohnnie]

(I always smile to myself when I see old pics of Ronnie.  He looks like my younger grandpa.  Maybe the Gipper was a little better looking, but still.)

[hazzben]

wow! 

https://athletics.bethel.edu/news/2023/10/30/steve-johnson-announces-retirement-at-end-of-2023-football-season.aspx

That's a bummer.  I hope he's got a great assistant who can step in and keep the train rolling.

I heard hazzben is the early favorite.

Can't think of a faster way to crater the program!!

Internally I'm sure Coach Mac (DC) will get consideration. But they said they will be conducting a national search. I could also see Haugen apply with his Bethel ties. It'll be interesting to see how it all unfolds. The guy making the decision has been with Coach J for all 35 years as either player, coach, or AD. I trust Peterson to make the right call.

[art76]

https://www.kare11.com/article/sports/college/legendary-bethel-football-coach-announces-retirement/89-4af336c6-b542-4280-995c-9d55fecf24fe

[DuffMan]

But they said they will be conducting a national search.

I wonder how much of this is lip service.  SJU conducted a "national search" to replace John--just so happened that all of the finalists had strong ties to the SJU program.

[GoldandBlueBU]

wow! 

https://athletics.bethel.edu/news/2023/10/30/steve-johnson-announces-retirement-at-end-of-2023-football-season.aspx

That's a bummer.  I hope he's got a great assistant who can step in and keep the train rolling.

I heard hazzben is the early favorite.

Can't think of a faster way to crater the program!!

Internally I'm sure Coach Mac (DC) will get consideration. But they said they will be conducting a national search. I could also see Haugen apply with his Bethel ties. It'll be interesting to see how it all unfolds. The guy making the decision has been with Coach J for all 35 years as either player, coach, or AD. I trust Peterson to make the right call.

Yeah - I was wondering if Parnell and McElroy would be considered?  Had the same thought about Haugen too - I wonder if he'd even want to, and if BU would be interested, or want to go in the direction of another coach who they'd want to see there for 20+ years.  I would have thought Kirchoff if he was still on the staff, but since he's been out of the program and not coaching for a few years, I doubt he has the desire, but who knows.