Earle Solomonson (born September 2, 1947) is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at North Dakota State University from 1985 to 1986 and at Montana State University from 1987 to 1991, compiling a career college football head coaching record of 39–42–1. Solomonson won back-to-back NCAA Division II Football Championships with the North Dakota State Bison in 1985 and 1986. He played college football at Augsburg College, from which he graduated in 1969.

Earle Solomonson
Biographical details
Born (1947-09-02) September 2, 1947 (age 77)
Playing career
c. 1965–1968Augsburg
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1969–1974Richfield HS (MN) (DC)
1975–1978Park Center HS (MN)
1979–1983North Dakota State (DL)
1984North Dakota State (DC)
1985–1986North Dakota State
1987–1991Montana State
Head coaching record
Overall39–42–1 (college)
30–7 (high school)
Tournaments6–0 (NCAA D-II playoffs)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
2 NCAA Division II (1985–1986)
2 NCC (1985–1986)
Awards
AFCA Division II COY (1986)

Solomonson began his coaching career in 1969 as an assistant at Richfield High School in Richfield, Minnesota. He was the head football coach at Park Center High School in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from 1975 to 1978, leading his teams to a record of 30–7 in four seasons.[1][2] Solomonson joined the coaching staff at North Dakota State in 1979 as defensive line coach under head coach Don Morton. He was elevated to defensive coordinator in 1984, succeeding Mike Daly, who left the program to coach at Idaho State University.[3]

Head coaching record

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College

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
North Dakota State Bison (North Central Conference) (1985–1986)
1985 North Dakota State 11–2–1 7–1–1 1st W NCAA Division II Championship
1986 North Dakota State 13–0 9–0 1st W NCAA Division II Championship
North Dakota State: 24–2–1 16–1–1
Montana State Bobcats (Big Sky Conference) (1987–1991)
1987 Montana State 1–10 0–8 9th
1988 Montana State 4–7 4–4 T–4th
1989 Montana State 4–7 2–6 T–6th
1990 Montana State 4–7 3–5 T–5th
1991 Montana State 2–9 1–7 T–8th
Montana State: 15–40 10–30
Total: 39–42–1
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

References

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  1. ^ "Solomonson To Head Football at Park Center". The Minneapolis Star. Minneapolis, Minnesota. May 30, 1975. p. 9B. Retrieved April 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  2. ^ "Solomonson takes post at N.D. State". Minneapolis Tribune. Minneapolis, Minnesota. March 29, 1979. p. 4D. Retrieved April 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  3. ^ "Daily Leaves Bison". Rapid City Journal. Minneapolis, Minnesota. May 30, 1975. p. 9B. Retrieved April 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .