Fri Jan 4 21:14:25 2008

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North Dakota hires Mussman

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Grand Forks, ND (Sports Network) - The University of North Dakota announced Friday that Chris Mussman has been named head football coach.

The 39-year-old becomes the 25th head coach in North Dakota football history, succeeding Dale Lennon, who had been at the helm since 1999.

Mussman has spent the past nine seasons on the Fighting Sioux football staff, including the last seven seasons as the offensive coordinator and the last four as the team's assistant head coach.

"Even though Chris had other options, his choice was to be UND's next head coach and prepare our program for Division I," said acting co-athletic director Betty Ralston. "His experience and dedication to UND will continue our tradition of academic and athletic success."

North Dakota finished the 2007 season with a 10-2 record and was tops in the North Central Conference in scoring and total offense.

"I'm humbled to have this opportunity to lead the Fighting Sioux football team," Mussman said.

The school has racked up an impressive 90-24 record since Mussman joined the coaching staff, including a national championship, five conference titles and seven NCAA playoff berths.