University of Minnesota Announces Brad Frost’s Departure as Women’s Hockey Coach The University of Minnesota has announced the departure of longtime women’s hockey head coach Brad Frost, following a decision made by Athletic Director Mark Coyle. Frost, who spent 19 seasons leading the Gophers program, has been let go after a review of the team’s performance both on and off the ice. Coyle stated the move was necessary to ensure the program remains competitive at the highest level in women’s college hockey. Frost took over the program in 2007 and guided the team to four NCAA championships, including titles in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. During his tenure, he also secured multiple Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) titles. Coyle praised Frost’s contributions, acknowledging his leadership and the impact he had on the program over nearly two decades. “Brad is a great coach and an even better person, which is why today is extremely difficult,” Coyle said in a statement. “We expect to contend at the highest level in every aspect of women’s college hockey, and right now we are not doing that.” The decision to part ways with Frost followed a comprehensive evaluation of the program’s progress. Coyle emphasized that while Frost’s legacy includes significant achievements, the university believes a new leadership approach is needed to maintain the program’s standing. “While change like this is never easy, now is the right time for a new voice to lead our program,” Coyle added. “This is the best coaching job in women’s hockey.” The university has initiated an immediate national search to find Frost’s replacement. Coyle expressed gratitude for Frost’s service and wished him success in his future endeavors.#brad_frost #mark_coyle #university_of_minnesota #western_collegiate_hockey_association #gophers_womens_hockey
Bob Motsko out as Gopher men's ice hockey coach, sources say Bob Motsko, who guided the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team for eight seasons, will not return as head coach next year. The university confirmed it was a mutual decision to part ways, though no official announcement has been made. The Gophers concluded their most recent season with a losing record under Motsko, marking the first time in his tenure the team failed to secure a winning campaign. During his first seven seasons, Motsko compiled a 161-82-21 record, maintaining a .650 winning percentage. However, this year’s performance saw the team finish with an 11-22-3 overall record and a .347 winning percentage in Big Ten conference play. In conference games specifically, the Gophers posted a 7-15-2 record, further highlighting the decline in performance. Despite the recent struggles, Motsko led the team to consecutive NCAA Frozen Four appearances in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons. The program reached the national championship game in 2023 but fell to the eventual champion in the final. The university’s decision to move on from Motsko follows similar actions with the women’s hockey program. On Tuesday, the school announced that Brad Frost, the women’s head coach, had also been let go. Frost, who had led the team for several years, will not return for the 2024 season. In a statement, Director of Athletics Mark Coyle described Frost as a “great coach and an even better person,” acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. Coyle emphasized that the move was based on a review of the program’s performance both on and off the ice. He stated the university aims to compete at the highest level in women’s college hockey but noted the current team is not meeting those standards.#big_ten_conference #brad_frost #mark_coyle #bob_motsko #university_of_minnesota
Minnesota Fires Women's Hockey Coach Frost After 19 Seasons MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota University has parted ways with its women’s hockey head coach, Brad Frost, after 19 seasons at the helm. The decision came following a loss in the NCAA quarterfinals to the Northeastern Huskies, marking the end of Frost’s tenure with the program. Athletic director Mark Coyle announced the move three days after the defeat, citing a comprehensive review of the team’s performance both on and off the ice. Frost, who earned approximately $300,000 annually, was in the final year of his contract, which had been last extended in 2023. His departure ends a 19-year stint with the Golden Gophers, during which he led the team to significant success. Frost took over the program in 2007 after the retirement of its first head coach, Laura Halldorson. Prior to his role as head coach, Frost served as an assistant under Halldorson on two national championship teams in 2004 and 2005. Under Frost’s leadership, the Gophers captured four NCAA titles in five years: 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. His coaching record stands at 554 wins, 133 losses, and 43 ties. However, since 2018, the program has struggled to maintain its dominance, with Ohio State and Wisconsin emerging as the dominant forces in the conference. These two teams have claimed every national title since 2018, leaving Minnesota without a championship in that span. The Gophers have made four appearances in the Women’s Frozen Four since 2018, but their recent performance has fallen short of expectations. Coyle emphasized that the decision to dismiss Frost was based on the team’s inability to compete at the highest level. “This decision was made after a review of the program on and off the ice.#minnesota_university #brad_frost #mark_coyle #northeastern_huskies #golden_gophers
