North Dakota State coach Tim Polasek has the Bison rolling with a flawless 12-0 regular season record, but that success came with a price: unwanted attention from bigger programs.
After guiding North Dakota State to such dominance, Polasek emerged as a top candidate for the Oregon State Beavers job, which opened up when Trent Bray was fired in October.
North Dakota State Locks Up Tim Polasek After FBS Interest
Even at 2-9, the Oregon State job offers an entry point into the FBS and the rejuvenated Pac-12, a step up in competition from the FCS level where North Dakota State resides. With FBS programs circling, North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen revealed Tuesday that the Bison secured their coach with a new contract extension.
According to ESPN, this seven-year deal runs through 2033. Following the announcement, Larsen praised the impact Polasek has made during his two-year run at the helm.
“After several productive conversations with coach Polasek, we have affirmed our commitment to both him and the long-term success of NDSU football,” Larsen said. “Coach Polasek’s impact on the football program over 12 seasons, and especially the past two seasons as our head coach has been remarkable.”
Polasek originally signed a five-year, $1.6 million deal when he took over in 2023. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the new agreement includes a significant salary bump, increased funding for the staff, and improved resources for the program overall.
Did Polasek Consider Leaving for the FBS?
The interest wasn’t just a rumor. During an interview with “The Forum” after his team crushed St. Thomas 62-7 last week, Polasek confirmed his agent had been fielding calls from interested parties.
“My agent is in contact with a lot of people right now. As we keep winning, certain opportunities could pop up,” Polasek said. “I’m just really focused on the Bison right now and looking forward to a really good lunch with (NDSU athletic director) Matt Larsen on Monday. Outside of that, I have no comment.”
Polasek’s roots with the program run deep. He began as a graduate assistant at North Dakota State in 2006, before advancing to tight ends coach from 2007 to 2011. He handled tight ends, special teams, and fullbacks in 2012 before leaving for a stint with the Northern Illinois Huskies.
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He returned to Fargo the following year as offensive coordinator and running backs coach, a role he held until 2016. Then came stops at Iowa as offensive line coach from 2017 to 2020 and Wyoming as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2021 to 2023.
Since replacing Matt Entz in 2023, Polasek has been nearly unbeatable. He boasts a 26-2 record, two Missouri Valley Football Conference titles, and one national FCS championship.