The University of Minnesota is starting anew in hockey leadership.
Just a day after Gophers women’s hockey head coach Brad Frost’s firing, athletic director Mark Coyle announced Minnesota has parted ways with men’s hockey coach Bob Motzko.
The news was first confirmed by Fox 9 sports director Jim Rich and then later confirmed by the University.
In a press release, athletic director Mark Coyle said the decision was mutual, despite Motzko having two years left on his contract. Coyle had few words for Motzko, complimenting the coach and his work.
“Bob coached 15 All-Americans and three future Olympians at Minnesota,” wrote Coyle. “He is a great coach and we wish him well in the future.”
Motzko took over after the 2018-19 season and led the Gophers to five NCAA tournament appearances in a row, from 2020-25. Though the streak was impressive, the Gophers failed to come home with a championship trophy and this season had a disappointing end.
Ending the season 11-22-3, it was their fewest number of wins since the 1971-72 season.
With player turnover to the NHL, many Gophers fans knew this season would be challenging. A major concern was Motzko’s lack of recruiting from the Canadian Hockey League. For the first time in college hockey, NCAA teams could recruit from the CHL — the Gophers didn’t participate, unlike many Big Ten teams that took on the challenge.
Coyle did not explain why Motzko would no longer be at the helm of Gophers men’s hockey, but Motzko’s recruiting style and prioritizing in-state players could be a factor. Many of the CHL players added to Big Ten teams made immediate impacts to strengthen their rosters, a missed opportunity for the Gophers as they choose to observe rather than actively recruit.
Motzko said he has been dedicated to the Gophers for 14 years in various positions, but it was time for a change. In the press release, he said it was an honor to be a part of the program.
“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,” wrote Motzko.
The search will now begin for a replacement coach. Coyle is expected to speak more about the decision in a Monday press conference, where he will also address Brad Frost’s leaving.
