North Dakota State University’s football team celebrated a sense of relief this week as coaching stability was confirmed with head coach Tim Polasek signing a seven-year contract extension. The announcement came just before the Thanksgiving break, easing the anxiety players felt regarding potential coaching changes.
During a locker room discussion, sophomore receiver Jackson Williams expressed gratitude for the decision, stating, “There was a fear of what if but good thing we don’t have to worry about that right now. I think the future is bright here.” The Bison, currently ranked as the No. 1 seed in the NCAA FCS playoffs, are gearing up to host their next game on December 2, 2023, at noon at Gate City Bank Field in the Fargodome.
Polasek’s extension comes amid speculation that he was a candidate for head coaching positions at Oregon State and Colorado State. Following his agreement to the extension, the openings were filled by JaMarcus Shephard, who was hired at Oregon State, and Jim Mora, named head coach at Colorado State. Williams remarked on the stability of the program, highlighting, “It shows we do things the right way, and I think we would compete with a lot of FBS schools and a lot of top programs in the country.”
As college football evolves, early coaching changes have become a norm, but the Bison remain focused on their immediate goals. The early signing period starts on November 29, 2023, and the transfer portal opens on January 2, 2024. “It’s a cut-throat world in college football,” Williams noted, emphasizing the need for mental resilience amidst constant changes in coaching staff and player rosters.
Linebacker and team captain Nathaniel Staehling echoed Williams’ sentiments, stating that the team chose to focus on their current situation rather than the coaching rumors circulating in the media. He mentioned, “We like to concern ourselves with what is happening at the moment. We’re a tight-knit group and we like to focus on what we can do now.” Staehling also shared his strategy to disassociate from the noise surrounding coaching discussions, saying, “Just so you don’t get caught up in that.”
In preparation for the upcoming playoff game, the team has been concentrating on developing younger players during practices ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Staehling highlighted the importance of fundamentals, noting, “We want to get those younger guys the reps that they need so we can continue to develop our depth.”
The Bison previously faced Illinois State earlier in the season, securing a 33-16 victory on October 7 in Normal, Illinois. Polasek mentioned that the coaching staff has been focusing their scouting efforts on Southeastern Louisiana, the opponent they will face after the first-round playoff game between Illinois State and Southeastern Louisiana concludes. The players will resume practice on Saturday evening once the opponent is determined.
As the team gears up for the playoffs, Polasek remains committed to transparency and honesty with his players. “Just to be able to look people in the eyes and say, guys, we’re good. That means so much to me,” he said. With the focus now firmly on Bison football, the team aims to build on their strong season as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
