Former Gophers and Vikings WR Lands Head Coaching Job at North Dakota

Across multiple different sports we have seen an influx of young leaders taking prominent positions. Kevin O’Connell is currently leading the Minnesota Vikings at just 39 years old. He has been among the best in the sport and is a Coach of the Year candidate. North Dakota, at the FCS level, is joining the fray with Isaac Fruechte taking over as the man in charge at just 33 years old.

Isaac Fruechte named new head coach for North Dakota

The name should sound familiar as Isaac Fruechte is one of us. The Caledonia native played three seasons for the Minnesota Gophers before heading to the NFL. He made just one appearance at the professional level, but that was with his hometown Minnesota Vikings. After a single season as the offensive coordinator Fruechte has been named the interim head coach for the Fighting Hawks.

Fruechte announced as interim head coach

RELEASE: https://t.co/0Kb9j8o86H#UNDproud | #LGH

— North Dakota Football (@UNDfootball) December 2, 2024

North Dakota finished the 2024 season with a 5-7 record while dropping each of their final five games. A tough test started the year in a game against Iowa State, but the Fighting Hawks earned a statement win against #4 Montana in Week 2. After a 72-35 win against Murray State pushed them to 4-1, North Dakota lost to North Dakota State and wound up winning just one more game the rest of the way.

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Head coach Bubba Schweigert stepped down following his 11th year as the North Dakota head coach. He is moving into a senior administrative role. Fruechte joined the coaching staff in January and was given responsibilities with the quarterbacks alongside his offensive coordinator duties. The former Gophers wide receiver took up coaching immediately following his playing career. He has made stops at Wisconsin-La Crosse, Northern State, and Winona State prior to landing in Grand Forks.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for us as a program moving forward. We need to keep our guys in our program here.” -UND interim Head Coach Isaac Fruechte pic.twitter.com/LjlemCsC5i

— Taylor Budge – Midco Sports (@TBudgeMidco) December 2, 2024

At the professional level, Fruechte’s lone game came against the Chicago Bears on January 1, 2017. He recorded a tackle on special teams. With the Gophers, the Caledonia-native recorded 702 receiving yards and three touchdowns across three seasons.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Rise Back Up College Football Rankings

A national coaching search is underway, but this is certainly an exciting opportunity for him to launch a long coaching career. Fruechte has continued to rise the ranks and earned a prominent coaching title quickly.