University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Brace Hemmelgarn
University, Motzko Mutually Agree to Part Ways
3/18/2026 1:18:00 PM | Men's Hockey
The University will conduct a nationwide search for its next head coach
University of Minnesota Thomas O. Moe Director of Athletics Mark Coyle announced that the University and men's hockey coach Bob Motzko have mutually agreed to part ways.
Motzko coached the Gophers for eight seasons and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year three times. He was the 2023 Spencer Penrose Award winner as AHCA/CCM Men's Hockey Division I Coach of the Year and is the 23rd winningest coach in men's college hockey history. On the national stage, Motzko led Team USA to a gold medal in 2017 and a bronze medal in 2018 at the World Junior Championships.
Statement from Mark Coyle
"I want to thank Bob for leading our team for the last eight seasons. In addition to winning Big Ten titles, the team advanced to the Men's Frozen Four twice and played in the national championship game in 2023.
"Bob coached 15 All-Americans and three future Olympians at Minnesota. He is a great coach and we wish him well in the future.
"We will immediately begin a nationwide search for our next head coach."
Statement from Bob Motzko
"This was my 42nd year in coaching, and at this stage in my career, now is the right time for new leadership. I have dedicated 14 years to this program as a head coach, assistant coach and student. I am grateful for every minute of it. In addition to working with so many incredible student-athletes, it was great to see the arena full again and the passion restored to our program. One of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of my eight years was reconnecting with and uniting our alumni and having them involved with our program. It was a tremendous honor to be part of this incredible University."
Motzko coached the Gophers for eight seasons and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year three times. He was the 2023 Spencer Penrose Award winner as AHCA/CCM Men's Hockey Division I Coach of the Year and is the 23rd winningest coach in men's college hockey history. On the national stage, Motzko led Team USA to a gold medal in 2017 and a bronze medal in 2018 at the World Junior Championships.
Statement from Mark Coyle
"I want to thank Bob for leading our team for the last eight seasons. In addition to winning Big Ten titles, the team advanced to the Men's Frozen Four twice and played in the national championship game in 2023.
"Bob coached 15 All-Americans and three future Olympians at Minnesota. He is a great coach and we wish him well in the future.
"We will immediately begin a nationwide search for our next head coach."
Statement from Bob Motzko
"This was my 42nd year in coaching, and at this stage in my career, now is the right time for new leadership. I have dedicated 14 years to this program as a head coach, assistant coach and student. I am grateful for every minute of it. In addition to working with so many incredible student-athletes, it was great to see the arena full again and the passion restored to our program. One of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of my eight years was reconnecting with and uniting our alumni and having them involved with our program. It was a tremendous honor to be part of this incredible University."
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