Bemidji State University announced that Head Football Coach Jeff Tesch is on a leave of absence, while they have named Brent Bolte as Interim Head Coach. Tesch, who would have started his 21st season at BSU, is no longer listed on the Coaches page on the Official BSU Athletics website. His Facebook page also says that he was “Former Head Football Coach at Bemidji State U”.

Bolte has been on the staff since 2000, and was named a full time assistant coach in 2003. He was named Co-Defensive Coordinator in 2005, and was named sole Defensive Coordinator in 2013.

Bemidji State opens the season Thursday night at home in the Community Appreciation Day game hosting Upper Iowa. Community Appreciation Day, which is FREE, begins at 4:30pm. The Benusa Pregame Show begins at 5:30pm, with the kickoff set for 6pm. Listen on 92.1 The River, or online at beaverradionetwork.com