5 Notable Northern Michigan University Football Coaches

Quick Links :

Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, has a rich history of producing talented football teams and coaches. The university's football program has been in existence since 1893 and has seen its fair share of successful coaches who have helped shape the team into what it is today. In this article, we will take a closer look at five notable Northern Michigan University football coaches who have made significant contributions to the program.

Early Years of Northern Michigan University Football

Before we dive into the notable coaches, let's take a brief look at the early years of Northern Michigan University football. The team played its first game in 1893 and was initially known as the "Normalites." The team's early years were marked by struggles, with the team failing to win a single game in its first two seasons. However, as the years went by, the team began to gain momentum, and by the early 1900s, they were competing against top-notch teams from around the state.

1. Buck Nystrom (1955-1958)

Buck Nystrom is one of the most notable coaches in Northern Michigan University football history. During his four-year tenure, Nystrom led the team to a 24-10-2 record, including a 9-1 season in 1956. Nystrom's teams were known for their strong defense, which allowed just 12.5 points per game during his time as coach.

Nystrom's Coaching Philosophy

Nystrom's coaching philosophy emphasized the importance of teamwork and discipline. He believed that a strong team was built on the principles of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Nystrom's teams were known for their toughness and physical play, which earned them the respect of their opponents.

2. Roland "Butch" Hughes (1963-1970)

Roland "Butch" Hughes took over as head coach of the Northern Michigan University football team in 1963 and led the team to a 44-26-2 record during his eight-year tenure. Hughes' teams were known for their high-powered offense, which averaged over 25 points per game during his time as coach.

Hughes' Coaching Style

Hughes was known for his aggressive coaching style, which emphasized the importance of taking risks and being proactive on the field. He believed that a strong offense was key to winning games, and his teams were often among the top-scoring teams in the conference.

3. Steve McCarty (1974-1978)

Steve McCarty took over as head coach of the Northern Michigan University football team in 1974 and led the team to a 34-14-1 record during his five-year tenure. McCarty's teams were known for their strong defense, which allowed just 15.5 points per game during his time as coach.

McCarty's Coaching Philosophy

McCarty's coaching philosophy emphasized the importance of building a strong team culture. He believed that a team's success was dependent on the strength of its relationships and the level of trust among its players. McCarty's teams were known for their cohesion and teamwork, which helped them achieve success on the field.

4. Robin Pflugrad (1990-1996)

Robin Pflugrad took over as head coach of the Northern Michigan University football team in 1990 and led the team to a 52-23-1 record during his seven-year tenure. Pflugrad's teams were known for their high-powered offense, which averaged over 30 points per game during his time as coach.

Pflugrad's Coaching Style

Pflugrad was known for his innovative coaching style, which emphasized the importance of creativity and adaptability. He believed that a team's success was dependent on its ability to adjust to different situations and opponents. Pflugrad's teams were known for their versatility and ability to adjust their strategy mid-game.

5. Chris Ostwald (2004-2009)

Chris Ostwald took over as head coach of the Northern Michigan University football team in 2004 and led the team to a 36-38 record during his six-year tenure. Ostwald's teams were known for their strong defense, which allowed just 20.5 points per game during his time as coach.

Ostwald's Coaching Philosophy

Ostwald's coaching philosophy emphasized the importance of building a strong team foundation. He believed that a team's success was dependent on its ability to establish a strong defense and control the tempo of the game. Ostwald's teams were known for their discipline and ability to execute their game plan.

We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the rich history of Northern Michigan University football and the notable coaches who have contributed to its success. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.