Matt Entz

Matt Entz

Matt Entz is an American college football coach who serves as the head coach of the North Dakota State Bison football program. He is known for leading the Bison to sustained success in the FCS and for a defensive-minded approach developed through prior positions at multiple NCAA institutions and NFL scouting experiences. Under his leadership the program has continued to compete for national titles while producing professional players and coaching staff who have moved to NFL and NCAA jobs.

Early life and education

Entz was born in Estherville, Iowa, and played high school sports in the region before attending South Dakota State University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Master of Science from Winona State University while beginning his coaching career. During this period he worked in athletic programs connected to institutions such as Northern State University and Turf and Facilities Management roles that bridged collegiate athletics and regional high school systems.

Coaching career

Entz began his coaching trajectory with assistant positions at Western Illinois University, South Dakota State University, and Winona State University, focusing on linebackers and special teams. He progressed through roles at Elmhurst College and returned to South Dakota State before joining the staff at North Dakota State University as a defensive assistant. At NDSU he served as linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, and associate head coach, working alongside head coaches who included Craig Bohl and Chris Klieman. Entz’s resume also intersects with coaching trees that include figures from Big 12 Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference programs, and his staff development has led assistants to opportunities with Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and other professional organizations.

Head coaching at North Dakota State

Entz was promoted to head coach of the North Dakota State Bison football program following the departure of Chris Klieman to Kansas State University. In his tenure he maintained NDSU’s prominence in the FCS playoffs, managing roster turnover and recruiting pipelines across the Upper Midwest and Great Plains region. His teams emphasized stout defense and situational football, often contending with rival programs such as South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Montana Grizzlies, and James Madison Dukes for conference championships. Under Entz, NDSU continued to produce NFL draftees and All-American honorees who entered professional ranks including the NFL Draft and CFL.

Coaching philosophy and schemes

Entz is widely regarded as a defensive specialist, favoring schematic versatility that incorporates elements from 3–4 and 4–3 fronts, aggressive linebacker play, and multiple blitz packages influenced by coordinators from programs like Wisconsin Badgers football, Iowa Hawkeyes football, and Ohio State Buckeyes football. His game planning places emphasis on turnover margin, red zone efficiency, and fourth-down decision-making—concepts often highlighted in coaching clinics hosted by American Football Coaches Association and conferences such as the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Entz’s staff development prioritizes special teams competency and analytics-driven scouting practices used by organizations including Pro Football Focus and NFL front offices.

Personal life and legacy

Entz is married and has family roots in the Midwest, maintaining community connections across Fargo, North Dakota, and the surrounding region. His legacy includes continuing the dynasty built at NDSU—joining a lineage of coaches who have established the program as a model for FCS success alongside schools like James Madison University and Montana State University. Entz’s influence extends through coaching protégés who have advanced to positions at Power Five conferences and professional teams, and through contributions to regional recruiting and coaching education efforts.

Category:College football head coaches Category:North Dakota State Bison football coaches Category:People from Estherville, Iowa