Bobby’s Second Act

“Bobbyball” is back.

University of Montana Director of Athletics Kent Haslam named former Grizzly head coach Bobby Hauck as the 37th head football coach on Nov. 30. Hauck agreed to a three-year contract, which will take him through the 2020 season.

One of the winningest coaches in Grizzly history, the UM alum returns to his native Montana after five seasons as the head coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and three seasons as San Diego State University’s associate head coach and special teams coordinator.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to come back home to a place that is so important to me,” Hauck says. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence at UM. I am absolutely committed to success both on and off the field. I cannot wait to get started and look forward to being a strong advocate for the University as a whole.”

The 2018 season will mark Hauck’s 30th year coaching college football, with seven spent as UM’s head coach from 2003 to 2009. He led the Grizzlies to three national championship appearances, won seven straight Big Sky Championships and mentored a host of future professionals. He began his coaching career with the Grizzlies in 1988 after earning bachelor’s degrees in business and physical education at UM in 1987.

He is a three-time Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award in 2009.

“I look forward to working with Coach Hauck and the football staff in advancing the overall mission of the athletic department,” Haslam says. “A mission focused on success in the community, in athletics and in the classroom. We will not compromise on our pursuit of excellence in everything we do. Coach Hauck’s previous success on the football field at UM is well-known, and I expect that will continue. I also expect we will continue to build a culture of hard work, respect and accountability.”

Hauck was prolific for Montana in his first stint as head coach, posting an 80-17 overall record. He also led the Griz to three unbeaten seasons in Big Sky play and won at least a share of the league title in each season he coached.

Hauck’s Grizzlies also excelled in the classroom during his tenure. UM placed 104 football players on Academic All-Big Sky teams, and football student-athletes also graduated at a higher rate than their campus counterparts, including a remarkable 90 percent rate in 2005.

Known for operating a punishing rushing attack, the Griz outscored their opponents 3,079-1,795 in Hauck’s 97-game stint with the Griz. He also coached 37 first-team All-Big Sky selections.

 UM President Seth Bodnar spoke with Hauck, sharing his vision for all student-athletes at UM.

“Coach Hauck and I discussed my unwavering commitment to all of our students’ well-being and success, and the critical importance of building a respectful and positive culture – in athletics and across the University,” Bodnar says. “We will hold ourselves accountable and live these values through our actions. I know that Coach Hauck has a deep love for this institution and our state, which is his home. As a former Division I student-athlete myself, I believe that our athletic programs play a key role in developing young women and men of character. I look forward to working with Athletic Director Haslam, Coach Hauck and all our coaches as we commit to that work.”

Hauck was born in Missoula and went to high school in Big Timber. He and his wife, Stacey, have four children: Alexandra, Elise, Robby and Sydney.