MSU President’s Column for Traill County Tribune

March 9, 2019

Join me in welcoming head football coach Jeff Larson and his family

We couldn’t be more excited about having Jeff Larson join us as our new football coach. We introduced Coach Larson at a large crowd of campus and community members at a news conference held Wednesday, Feb. 27. Larson addressed the crowd, thanking those who have influenced him throughout his career.

Jeff will officially begin his duties at Mayville State on March 11, but he’s already hit the ground running, meeting with players and recruits. He’s begun networking with Mayville State graduates who are coaching football or are serving in roles as athletic directors and principals in North Dakota high schools. He’s also assembling his staff. There is much to be done, and we know he’ll be tenacious in making it happen.

Coach Larson was selected from an excessively large pool of applicants. MSU Athletic Director Ryan Hall and his search committee did an excellent job of conducting a thorough and quick search. I sincerely appreciate their diligence and willingness to serve Mayville State in this way. Time was of the essence, so we advertised, thoroughly searched, and hired a coach in one month. That’s very impressive for our university and community volunteers. Hats off to the search committee, the athletic department, and community volunteers who made this happen.

Jeff Larson has spent the past seven seasons as the defensive coordinator at Chadron (Neb.) State College. During that time, Coach Larson has been a part of teams that have compiled a 46-31 record and made an NCAA Division Two playoff appearance. The Chadron State Eagles have also had success in the classroom, winning the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Award for the highest team grade point average in three of the past six academic years. Larson began his collegiate coaching career at Chadron State. Overall, he has been a part of collegiate football teams that have posted a 91-52 record.

Prior to joining the staff at Chadron State, Jeff Larson spent four seasons at Black Hills State University. He was defensive coordinator for three of those seasons.

Coach Larson’s first five years of coaching experience happened in the high school ranks. During his final season as a high school coach, he helped lead Cheyenne (Wyo.) East to their first state championship appearance in 31 years.

Jeff Larson earned a master’s degree from Chadron State College and a bachelor’s degree from Northern State University, where he played linebacker for the Wolves in his hometown of Aberdeen, S.D.

Coach Larson and his family, wife Staci and daughter Mali, are eager to join the Mayville State family, along with the greater Mayville-Portland and Traill County community. Please join me in giving Jeff, Staci, and Mali a very warm welcome.