FCS powerhouse North Dakota State has found its new coach.
The Bison elevated defensive coordinator Chris Klieman to their head coaching position on Sunday, a week after Craig Bohl was hired away by Wyoming. The 47-year-old Klieman has spent three seasons at NDSU, the last two running the defense. His units have been at the top of the FCS statistically and are allowing just 11 points per game this season.
Klieman, who turned down a chance to go to Wyoming with Bohl, pledged to build on what Bohl built in Fargo.
“I’m not going to be Craig Bohl. I’m going to be Chris Klieman. And I think that’s good. I think that’s OK,” Klieman said. “I’ve learned so much from Craig. Craig is the best leader I’ve ever been around as far as just a genuine leader. He tells you exactly how it is.”
Klieman certainly has some large shoes to fill. In Bohl’s 11 seasons at the school, the Bison went 101-32 and won the last two FCS championships.
NDSU takes on New Hampshire Friday night in a semifinal game at the Fargodome. Bohl will coach the team through its playoff run.