New Montana Griz Football Coach Earns Massive Vote of Confidence

To go from a one-year to a four-year deal without having coached a single game yet speaks volumes about character and belief in ability.

THE KENNEDY CONTRACT

University of Montana Football Sports Information Director Eric Taber us that the University of Montana and Grizzly head football coach Bobby Kennedy have agreed to a new four-year contract that will keep him in Missoula through the 2029 season.

Coach Kennedy was officially hired as Montana's 38th head coach in early February 2026. He took over the program after serving one season as the Grizzlies' wide receivers coach in 2025. As the new head man, he will be succeeding Coach Bobby Hauck, who accepted the defensive coordinator position at the University of Illinois.

Since then, Kennedy has led Montana through the spring football season and into the summer training schedule while reinvigorating the program's recruiting efforts and bolstering the athletic department's community outreach.

ACCORDING TO THE AD

In the press release, Director of Athletics Kent Haslam was quoted as saying, "Working with coach Kennedy over the past five months has given all of us a glimpse into his priorities, work ethic and leadership style. He is focused on the overall success of Grizzly football and understands how important the program is to the university and to the state. He has earned an opportunity to build the program to fit his vision, and I am really excited for the future."

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AND ACCORDING TO THE NEW COACH

Coach Kennedy was quoted as saying, "I'm really excited about receiving this new contract. I appreciate that the leadership at the university has recognized my commitment to Montana football, the community and our players.

"I'm also excited about leading this program for a long time. When I took this job, I said I want to finish my career as the head coach at Montana. This gives, not only our current players, but the kids we're recruiting peace of mind that I am as committed to the University of Montana and the football program as they are."

Montana Grizzlies

TERMS YET TO BE ANNOUNCED

The financial details of the new contract were not announced in Tuesday's press release. The one-year contract Coach Kennedy received earlier this year includes a base salary of $175,000 with potential incentive earnings that could total up to $247,000.

Our congratulations to the new head coach. And the countdown to August 29 is on!