Doane AD Matt Franzen resigns, named Hastings College head coach

CRETE, NE — Matt Franzen is stepping away from administration to return to coaching.

Doane University Director of Athletics Matt Franzen announced Tuesday morning that he is resigning from his position. Soon after, Hastings College named Franzen as the school's next head football coach.

"Returning to the sideline feels like the right move for me, and Hastings College is a school that I am very familiar with," Franzen said in a news release. "I don't regret moving from head coach to athletic director at Doane, but I realized in the fall of 2019 that the opportunity to directly impact so many young people was pulling on me more than ever. I've enjoyed most of the AD experience but have been envious watching the coaches I've hired develop their programs."

Franzen served at the helm of the Tigers' athletics department since July 2018. Before becoming AD, Franzen was a coach and player at Doane. He was an offensive lineman from 1990-1993 and earned NAIA First Team All-American honors. Franzen served as the Head Football Coach at Doane from 2007-2017, compiling a 65-49 overall record. He was named GPAC Coach of the Year in 2014. He was an assistant coach at Hastings College for more than a decade before moving to Doane.

Doane will begin to work on interim plans after Franzen's departure in December.

Franzen replaces Tony Harper as the Broncos' head coach. Harper served as head coach for the past 10 seasons, posting a record of 44-58. Hastings College went 2-7 this season.