Brent Vigen and Tim Polasek: A Dynamic Coaching Duo Aiming for FCS Glory

The highly anticipated postgame handshake between Brent Vigen and Tim Polasek during the FCS championship game on Monday night in Frisco, Texas, could very well transform into a heartfelt hug, symbolizing their enduring friendship and mutual respect.

Brent Vigen, in his fourth year as head coach at Montana State, and Tim Polasek, now in his first season leading North Dakota State, are not just rivals; they are friends with deep-rooted connections dating back to 2006. Their journey began as assistant coaches at NDSU, where they collaborated for seven consecutive seasons, laying the foundation for their successful coaching careers.

After Vigen departed from the University of Wyoming in 2021 to assume the head coaching position at Montana State, their long-time mentor, Craig Bohl, appointed Polasek to take Vigen’s place as the offensive coordinator at Wyoming. Coincidentally, Polasek and his wife Jill purchased the very house in Laramie that Brent and his wife Molly once called home, further intertwining their personal and professional lives.

“I texted him the other night,” Polasek reflected earlier this week. “I said, ‘Brent, this is pretty cool.’ I don’t know if it will get to like an emotional spot for us, but we have really gotten tighter and tighter over the years. I think it’s really cool for Coach Bohl and his (coaching) tree and the legacy of it.” This sentiment encapsulates the deep bonds formed over years of collaboration and shared experiences in the world of college football.

At 49 years old, Vigen, an alumnus of NDSU, recently earned the prestigious 2024 Eddie Robinson Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership in guiding Montana State to the Big Sky Conference title. Under his guidance, the team achieved a remarkable No. 1 national ranking and an undefeated 15-0 record, marking the longest winning streak in the history of the Bozeman program. A perfect 16-0 finish would allow the Bobcats to stand alongside the 2019 NDSU team, which holds the record for the best season in the 47-year FCS history.

The 2019 Bison squad, led by Matt Entz in his inaugural season, set a high bar for excellence in the FCS. Polasek, who took over the reins from Entz last season, has debuted with an impressive 13-2 record, clinching a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. A victory on Monday night would align Polasek with Entz and seven other coaches who have achieved FCS national championship success in their first season at the helm of a program.

“With relationships and the way we conduct our business, I think we’re very similar,” Vigen remarked. “I have a great appreciation for Tim. I’m looking forward to interacting before the game, then heading to our respective sidelines and allowing our teams to showcase their skills.”

Polasek added, “Obviously, the relationship evolves when you know you’re going to play against each other because you’re no longer sharing ideas and strategies. However, over the years, even during my time at Iowa from 2017-2020 as the offensive line coach, we spent considerable time together discussing concepts and program philosophies. He’s had a significant impact on my coaching journey – particularly in the years 2010, 2011, and 2012 when he served as the offensive coordinator here.”

Under Craig Bohl’s guidance, both Vigen and Polasek played pivotal roles in NDSU’s inaugural FCS championship victories in 2011 and 2012. Polasek departed for a position at Northern Illinois, while Vigen continued to contribute to the 2013 championship season before both moved on to Wyoming. Polasek later returned to Fargo to succeed Vigen as offensive coordinator, contributing to the Bison’s fourth (2014) and fifth (2015) FCS championship titles, marking his third tenure at NDSU.

Vigen and Polasek are integral members of the Bohl coaching tree, which has produced eight coaches who have advanced to head coaching positions in the NFL or Division I. Bohl’s tough yet nurturing approach allowed his protégés to develop their unique coaching identities, equipping Vigen and Polasek with the essential skills to thrive as head coaches.

At Montana State, Vigen boasts an impressive 47-9 (.839) record over four seasons, successfully revitalizing the Bobcats after a challenging 2020-2021 academic year in which they did not compete in football. His initial squad advanced to the FCS championship game, ultimately falling to NDSU with a score of 38-10, but it set the stage for future triumphs.

“Fast forward to this season, we’re not just content to be participants,” Vigen stated confidently. “We’ve successfully navigated 15 games, focusing on the week-to-week process for a reason. That was our objective from the beginning – to position ourselves for an opportunity to compete in Frisco. Our goal is not just to be there, but to dedicate ourselves to winning the football game.”

While Vigen has elevated Montana State to an elite level in the FCS, rivaled only by NDSU and South Dakota State in recent years, the Bobcats are determined to reach the pinnacle of success once again. They are striving for their first FCS title since 1984, while achieving this milestone has become the standard for NDSU’s successful seasons.

Polasek, embracing the pressure of high expectations, is thrilled to be back in the FCS championship game, leading his team on one side of the field at the Toyota Stadium, facing off against a close friend.

“Pressure’s a privilege,” he remarked, reflecting on the significant challenges that come with coaching at this level.

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