Glogowski leaving MSU for Sioux Falls
Dec. 8—Minnesota State defensive coordinator Jim Glogowski came to Minnesota State as a head coach and had to relearn how to be an assistant.
"It was humbling," he said. "In that first staff meeting, I had to shut up and pay attention. Coach (Todd) Hoffner and I had known each other for a long time, and it was a challenge to go back to being an assistant. But he taught me how to run a successful program and how to win, and he also gave me space to grow.
"I don't know if the time is ever perfect to take another job, but I think I'm ready."
Glogowski, 49, has been hired to be the head coach at Sioux Falls. A news conference is scheduled for Friday.
"I'm a Midwest guy," Glogowski said. "My wife is from Sioux Falls, and my mom in in Omaha, so it's a little closer. I was a grad assistant at Augustana after I was done playing (at South Dakota). This is the first time that my kids will live in the same city as their grandparents."
It was reported that Sioux Falls offered the job to South Dakota defensive coordinator Travis Johansen, but he turned it down. Glogowski's deal came together during a couple of meetings in the last couple days.
"It's fortunate that I'm familiar with this league and the level of play," he said. "The chance to move closer to home at a program that's had that much success, it was too good of a deal to turn down."
Glogowski, known for his emotional, fiery presence on the sideline, has been at Minnesota State as defensive coordinator since 2016 after spending eight seasons as head coach at Simpson. Glogowski coached linebackers and was responsible for recruiting Iowa and Nebraska.
Minnesota State, which was 10-3 and advanced to the region semifinals last season, ranked eighth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in total defense, allowing 358.8 yards per game. Opponents averaged 23.3 points, which also ranked eighth in the league.
"I appreciate everything that Jim has accomplished for us to win championships and compete for national championships," Minnesota State coach Todd Hoffner said. "It's a tough day because he's been a big part of what we've done here, but I'm happy for him and his family. He gets his chance to run his own program again."
Glogowski said he has many memories in Mankato that don't necessarily have anything to do with football. He remembers watching an East-West softball game with his daughter, who was interested in the game and completely wowed by the big crowd and intensity of the event. His oldest son graduated from Minnesota State, and his daughter still attends there.
"The people at Minnesota State and the support of the community is so special here," he said. "I've gotten so many messages from other coaches and staff; it really feels like I connected with people here. Minnesota State will always be part of my life."
This is the third consecutive year that the Mavericks have lost a coordinator. Offensive coordinator Joe Beschorner went to North Dakota State after the 2020 season, and offensive coordinator Collin Prosser went to Wayne State after the 2021 season.
Sioux Falls was 7-0 last season before losing three of the last four games, including a 38-24 home loss to Minnesota State, to miss the NCAA playoffs. That led to the firing of John Anderson after six seasons.
Hoffner said he will talk with Minnesota State officials to begin the process of hiring another assistant coach.
Follow Chad Courrier on Twitter @ChadCourrier.
