(FROM TABOR COMMUNICATIONS)
After three seasons as head football coach at Tabor College, Mike Gottsch has submitted his letter of resignation and announced to his team that he will step down after the final game of the season, to be played Saturday against University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth.
?I?m looking out for the best interest of the football program, to let Tabor College start the search for a new head coach and hopefully get a very qualified candidate in here very quickly,? Gottsch said. ?I wanted to let them get another coach in here as soon as possible.?
A nationwide search for a new head football coach will begin immediately, led by a three-member search committee comprised of Tabor President Jules Glanzer, Vice President for Athletics Rusty Allen, and Professor of Business Administration and Faculty Athletic Representative Norman Hope.
Although the Bluejays are 0-9 this season and have a combined 3-26 record under Gottsch?s leadership, Allen acknowledged the positive things Gottsch and his players accomplished, particularly off the field.
?Coach Gottsch has a strong work ethic and I have deep appreciation for the time and energy he has given to the Tabor football program,? Allen said.
?Coach Gottsch expected his players to perform, not only on the field but in the classroom, and supported learning in multiple ways. Mike is a man of God. Like all of our coaches, his focus on helping young men come to know and grow in Christ is something that sets the Tabor athletic department and the football program apart.?
Gottsch informed his players he was stepping down before practice Wednesday afternoon.
?I thanked them for their effort and hard work, and for trusting and believing in me and for coming here,? Gottsch said. ?I also let them know that it would be wise for them to stay put and not go looking for greener pastures. When I got here this new (Joel H. Wiens) stadium was a pipe dream, and now that it?s here I believe it will help with retention and recruiting. I really believe that the guys who are here know they have a special, special facility.?
