After an extensive 45-year coaching career, Randy Hedberg has officially announced his retirement. The longtime North Dakota State (NDSU) assistant coach announced on Jan. 29, marking the end of a remarkable tenure in college football.
Randy Hedberg Retires After 45-Year Coaching Career
Hedberg, who joined NDSU in 2014, played a key role in the program’s dominance, helping the Bison secure seven FCS national championships while mentoring quarterbacks. The Parshall native earned a place among North Dakota’s greatest sports figures of the 20th century, ranking No. 31 on a list by Sports Illustrated.
His athletic career at Minot State was equally impressive—he played football, basketball, and baseball, and even competed in javelin. Hedberg set a school record with 5,737 passing yards and 49 touchdowns, which later earned him induction into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985. In recognition of his contributions, Parshall dedicated its football field in his honor in 2020.
At NDSU, Hedberg contributed to eight Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) titles and seven NCAA Division I FCS national championships. His ability to develop quarterbacks was a defining aspect of his coaching career. Hedberg said:
“I have been fortunate to have coached for the last 11 seasons at NDSU with three different head coaches in Chris Klieman, Matt Entz, and Tim Polasek,” Hedberg said.
“Being a North Dakota native, it is extremely gratifying to be ending my college coaching career at NDSU. Thank you to the NDSU administration, fellow coaches, Bison Nation, and especially the players for this tremendous time of my coaching life. I would also like to thank my family, and especially my wife, Dr. Chery Hysjulien.”
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Hedberg’s impact extended beyond college football, as he played a crucial role in shaping future NFL quarterbacks. During his time at NDSU, he mentored three NFL draft picks, including two quarterbacks selected within the top three overall.
Trey Lance, a redshirt freshman in 2019, thrived under Hedberg’s guidance. Hedberg also coached Easton Stick, the winningest quarterback in FCS history. Before Lance and Stick, Hedberg worked with Carson Wentz, helping him develop into an elite quarterback. Wentz became NDSU’s starter in 2014 and set school records for passing yards (3,111), completions, and attempts in his first season.
Randy Hedberg’s Illustrious Football Career
Hedberg’s coaching career extended beyond NDSU. He spent nine seasons as the head coach at St. Cloud State (1999-2007) and eight seasons at Minot State (1982-89), finishing with a combined 92-75-2 record.
Between those head coaching stints, he worked as an offensive coordinator at Central Missouri (1990-95) and North Dakota (1996-98). Before arriving at NDSU, he served as the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois for six seasons.
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Before becoming a coach, he had a brief career in the NFL. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the eighth round of the 1977 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he started four games and appeared in seven for the Buccaneers. He later spent time with the Oakland Raiders in 1979 and the Green Bay Packers in 1980.
Hedberg’s influence on football, particularly at the quarterback position, leaves a lasting legacy. His ability to develop talent helped NDSU maintain its dominance in the FCS, and his work with players who reached the NFL highlights his coaching expertise.
A Minot State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in mathematics, Hedberg furthered his education with a master’s in health, physical education, and recreation from North Dakota in 1987.
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