MARSHALL, MINN.: Southwest Minnesota State University football assistant coach Lyle Eidsness recently announced his retirement from coaching after spending over 30 seasons as a high school and college coach.

“I would like to thank my dad for his great commitment and service to this program,” said SMSU head coach Eric Eidsness and Lyle's oldest son.  “His years of experience and knowledge of the game can not be replaced.  He took our special teams to great heights and helped us start a program from almost nothing.”

Lyle Eidsness served as SMSU's special teams and running backs coach for the past four seasons.  During his tenure the Mustang running game and special teams has excelled.  In 2004 the Mustang offense rushed for 160.9 yards per game ranking third in school history while in 2005 SMSU punter Andy Schlichting was named first team all-region.  In 2006 kicker Scott Talcott connected on a school record 11 field goals and currently ranks second in school history in career field goals made.

Eidsness began his coaching career in 1963 as head coach at Ponca (Neb.) High School.  He went on to serve as head coach at the high school level for 13 seasons including stops at Thompson (Iowa) High School, Sheldon (Iowa) High School and St. Peter (Minn.) High School.  In 1976 he led St. Peter to a state championship and was named Minnesota State High School Coach of the Year.

In 1977 he began his college coaching career being named head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout where he spent three seasons compiling a record of 15-15.  After a 2-8 record in his first season, he led the Blue Devils to a 7-3 record in 1978 and 6-4 record in 1979.  For his efforts he was named conference coach of the year following the 1978 season.  In 1980, he moved to Morningside College (Iowa) and served one season as head coach before being named head coach at his alma mater, Augustana College (S.D.), in 1981 where spent four seasons as head coach.  After spending four years in private business, Eidsness returned to college coaching in 1989 serving two seasons as offensive coordinator at the University of Sioux Falls (1989-90).  Prior to coming to SMSU, Eidsness was an assistant coach at Ferris State University (Mich.) from 1998-2001.  Following the 2000 season he was named offensive coordinator of the year by American Football Coach magazine.

“In Lyle's four years with the Mustang football program, he brought a great deal of experience to the coaching staff, the athletic department staff and the players he coached,” said SMSU director of athletics Chris Hmielewski.  “His extensive coaching background provided all of us the opportunity to learn from a colleague who experienced success throughout his collegiate career.  Southwest Minnesota State University and the Department of Athletics would like to thank Lyle for the tireless work ethic, the great stories and the passion he brought to work with him everyday.”

Lyle and his wife Jean, live in Sioux Falls, S.D.