Montana Grizzlies Coaching Debuts: A History of Fast Starts and Slow Builds

Looking back at the seven most recent Griz head coaches offers a clearer picture of what a debut season can look like and what it might take to build something lasting. 

Recent Griz Coaches Set the Modern Standard 

Bobby Hauck, in his most recent stint from 2018 to 2025, set the standard. He went 71–26, led Montana to the playoffs every eligible season, and reached the national championship game in 2023 before falling to South Dakota State. Still, even Hauck started modestly, going 6–5 in his first year before building a powerhouse. 

Bob Stitt (2015–2017) found early success, going 8–5 in his debut season and reaching the playoffs, though his team fell short in the second round to North Dakota State. He finished his tenure with a 20–14 record and one playoff appearance.

Mick Delaney (2012–2014) had a slower start, going 5–6 in his first season. However, he rebounded by leading the Griz to back-to-back playoff appearances, finishing 21–14 overall, though both postseason runs ended in the second round. 

Robin Pflugrad (2010–2011) posted a 13–6 record during his time, but his tenure remains complicated. Montana later vacated its last 6 games in the 2011 season, including a playoff run that ended in a semifinal loss to Sam Houston State. In his first year, Pflugrad went 7–4 and missed the playoffs.

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Hauck’s first stint (2003–2009) tells a different story from his second. He debuted with a strong 9–4 season and made the playoffs every year of his tenure, managing an 80-17 record over that time. The Griz reached three national championship games under his leadership but never managed to win it all. 

Joe Glenn (2000–2002) delivered one of the most impressive starts in program history. He went 13–2 in his first season and reached the national title game, narrowly losing to Georgia Southern. He didn’t wait long for redemption, though, as Glenn led Montana to a national championship in 2001 and compiled a remarkable 39–5 record over three seasons. 

Mick Dennehy (1996–1999) also found immediate success. In his first year, the Griz went 14–1 and reached the national championship game, ultimately falling to Marshall. Dennehy made the playoffs in all four of his seasons and totaled 39 wins and 12 losses.

Don Read (1986–1995) was one of the foundational figures in modern Griz football. Though he started just 6–4 and 6–5 in his first two seasons, Read built a consistent winner. He made the playoffs five times and capped his tenure with a national championship in 1995, defeating Marshall 22–20. 

So what does all of this mean for Bobby Kennedy? 

History suggests that while instant success is possible, it’s far from guaranteed. Some coaches, like Glenn and Dennehy, found lightning in a bottle right away. Others, like Hauck and Read, needed time to build toward sustained excellence. 

For Kennedy, the first season won’t define everything, but it will set the tone for a potential long-term future or quick exit.