Bemidji State coach Mike Lynch steps down after 8 seasons

The longtime head coach of the women's cross country and track and field programs is leaving the university.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:22pm

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Mike Lynch, the head coach of the Bemidji State University women's cross country and track and field teams, has announced his resignation after 8 seasons leading the Beavers programs. The announcement comes as the university prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 athletic season.

Why it matters

Lynch's departure marks a significant change for the Bemidji State athletic department, as he had been a fixture leading the women's distance running programs for nearly a decade. His resignation will require the university to find a new coach to take over the cross country and track and field teams.

The details

In his 8 seasons as head coach, Lynch led the Bemidji State women's cross country team to 4 conference championship titles and guided the track and field squad to 3 conference crowns. He was named the conference Coach of the Year on multiple occasions during his tenure.

  • Mike Lynch announced his resignation on April 1, 2026.
  • Lynch's last season as Bemidji State's head coach will be the 2025-26 academic year.

The players

Mike Lynch

The outgoing head coach of the Bemidji State University women's cross country and track and field programs, who is stepping down after 8 seasons leading those teams.

Bemidji State University

The public university located in Bemidji, Minnesota, where Mike Lynch served as the head coach of the women's cross country and track and field teams.

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What they’re saying

“It has been an honor to lead the Bemidji State women's distance programs for the past 8 years. I'm proud of what we've accomplished and the student-athletes I've had the privilege of coaching.”

— Mike Lynch, Outgoing Head Coach

What’s next

Bemidji State will now begin a search process to find a new head coach to lead the women's cross country and track and field teams starting in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Mike Lynch's resignation after 8 successful seasons at the helm of the Bemidji State women's distance running programs represents a significant transition for the university's athletic department. The new coach will have big shoes to fill in continuing the Beavers' conference championship-winning tradition.