Montana Grizzly Football Has a New Offensive Line Coach

A team that achieved so much success is bound to attract some interest from talented, ambitious coaches should the need arise.

The need did arise. And the University of Montana Grizzly football team has welcomed a new member to the coaching staff to fill a critical position. And he will be very familiar with Montana's opponent on September 7.

UM Sports Information Director Eric Taber tells us that Griz head coach Bobby Hauck announced today (Tuesday) that Joe Pawlak has been hired to coach the Grizzly offensive line. Coach Pawlak joins the Griz after five seasons coaching the offensive line at North Dakota, where he helped the Fighting Hawks reach the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs four times.

His resume also includes three years as a graduate assistant at Iowa where he assisted in leading a Hawkeye front that won the 2016 Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football. As a player, Coach Pawlak was a three-year starter and all-conference performer at Northern Illinois.

Pawlak replaces former UM O-Line coach Chad Germer, who has moved on to pursue other opportunities. He arrived in Missoula yesterday, ready to go to work.

QUOTING COACH HAUCK

“Joe is a terrific young offensive line coach. The way his lines compete really pops off the film. He is an outstanding man and mentor for our players. We are very excited to have Joe join the Griz football family.”

QUOTING COACH PAWLAK

“It’s a humbling opportunity and I’m excited to be a part of the university, the community, and the Montana football tradition. “I’m also really excited to get around the players, get to know everybody, and be part of this team. I know we're going to be tough, smart, and physical. Those are the three traits we want to embody, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Image courtesy of U of Montana Sports Information

The Griz travel to Grand Forks to take on the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, the second game of the 2024 season, Saturday, September 7.