Montana Football Coach Bobby Hauck Announces Sudden Retirement

Hauck cites changes in college game as reason for stepping down after 14 years with Grizzlies

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Bobby Hauck, the winningest active FCS coach and leader of the perennial powerhouse Montana Grizzlies football program, has announced his sudden retirement effective immediately. Hauck, who led Montana to 8 Big Sky titles, 13 playoff appearances, and 4 national championship games, cited his dislike for dealing with the changes in modern college football as the primary reason for his decision to step down.

Why it matters

Hauck's retirement is a major shakeup for the Montana football program, which has been one of the most consistent winners in the FCS ranks under his leadership over the past 14 years. His departure raises questions about the future direction of the Grizzlies and the challenges facing small-school programs in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

The details

Hauck, 61, had two stints totaling 14 years as head coach of the Grizzlies, compiling a 151-43 record and becoming the winningest active FCS coach. He said he no longer enjoys the "head coach stuff" in today's college football, particularly dealing with player transfers, name/image/likeness issues, and the "transient nature" of the game. Hauck's assistant Bobby Kennedy, who previously worked with him at Washington, will take over as the new head coach.

  • Hauck announced his retirement on February 5, 2026.
  • Hauck had been the head coach of Montana since 2018, after previously leading the program from 2003-2009.

The players

Bobby Hauck

The outgoing head coach of the Montana Grizzlies, who led the program to 8 Big Sky titles, 13 playoff appearances, and 4 national championship games over 14 seasons.

Bobby Kennedy

The new head coach of the Montana Grizzlies, who previously worked as an assistant coach with Hauck at Washington in 2002 and has also coached at Texas and other power conference schools.

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What they’re saying

“I want to enjoy my career and my job, and a lot of the head coach stuff in current-day Division I college football is not enjoyable. I just think it's the appropriate time.”

— Bobby Hauck, Outgoing Head Coach, Montana Grizzlies

What’s next

The Montana football program will now transition to new leadership under Bobby Kennedy, who will look to continue the Grizzlies' tradition of success in the FCS ranks.

The takeaway

Hauck's retirement highlights the challenges facing small-school programs in the evolving world of college athletics, as factors like player transfers and NIL compensation have made the job of a head coach increasingly complex and less enjoyable for some veteran coaches like Hauck.