Minot State head football coach Mike Aldrich is pleased to introduce the newest addition to the Beaver football team, as Lee Pronschinske has been hired as the Beavers’ new defensive coordinator.

Pronschinske, who earlier this month helped North Dakota State as an assistant coach win the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national title, begins his duties with the Beavers immediately.

“I’m excited that Lee is joining our staff and football family,” Coach Aldrich said. “He is a young, energetic coach that has worked and learned from some highly respected coaches. Lee recently won the national championship while on the staff at NDSU and will be bringing that mentality to the Magic City.”

The defensive quality control coach the last two seasons for the Bison, Pronschinske was involved in all aspects of defensive game-planning, was offensive coordinator for the scout team and coordinated the scout team’s special teams, did all opponent breakdowns and scouting reports, assisted with recruiting, and was an assistant linebackers and defensive backs coach at NDSU.

“Thank you NDSU for allowing me to be a part of Bison Nation for the past two years,” Pronschinske said. “I can’t thank coach (Matt) Entz, coach (David) Braun, and the rest of the coaching staff enough for their guidance during my time in Fargo.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join Coach Aldrich’s staff and build upon the foundation that has been laid at Minot State,” the new Beaver defensive coordinator added. “I have been blessed to work with some unbelievable coaches and mentors. The biggest takeaway from all of them is that a great defense must play hard, play fast, and play together. These three things will all be non-negotiables when it comes to playing defense at Minot State.”

The Beavers’ new defensive coordinator not only brings NCAA Division I experience with him to Minot State, but knowledge of the NSIC both as a coach and player. A graduate of Winona State with a bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies, Pronschinske played safety and linebacker for the Warriors and earned NSIC All-Academic honors.

He started his collegiate coaching career with his alma mater as a tight ends, fullbacks, and safeties assistant coach, along with serving as an assistant coach on special teams and the Warriors video coordinator.

Pronschinske moved on to NCAA Division II Emporia State (Kan.) in 2019 and spent one season as defensive backs coach, as an assistant coach on special teams, and video coordinator for the Hornets.

Following his time in Aberdeen, S.D., Pronschinske joined the Bison staff where he helped guide North Dakota State to the FCS quarterfinals in the spring of 2021, and then to the national championship earlier this month.