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Craig Bohl
Craig Bohl
Craig Bohl
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Craig Philip Bohl (born July 27, 1958) is an American retired college football coach and former player. Prior to announcing his retirement from coaching at the conclusion of the 2023 football season, he was the head football coach at the University of Wyoming for 10 seasons. Before being hired in Laramie, he was the head coach at North Dakota State University in Fargo from 2003 to 2013, where he led the Bison to three consecutive NCAA Division I Football Championships in his final three seasons.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Bohl was a reserve defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1977 to 1979. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1982.

Coaching career

[edit]
Bohl at 2016 Mountain West Media Days

Assistant coaching

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Bohl was an assistant coach for many different programs for 19 years, including at his alma mater Nebraska for eight seasons, the last three as defensive coordinator. He was a coach for two national championship teams at Nebraska, in 1995 and 1997.[1]

North Dakota State

[edit]

Bohl was hired as head coach at NDSU in 2003. As its 29th head football coach, he guided the storied program as it transitioned from Division II, where they had won eight national championships, to Division I. Four years after completing the move, he led the Bison to their first ever FCS Championship title in 2011, beating Sam Houston State 17–6 in the final. On January 1, 2013, North Dakota State gave Bohl an eight-year contract extension through the 2020 season, and four days later, he rewarded them by leading the Bison to their second consecutive FCS Championship, defeating Sam Houston State again, 39−13.[2]

In the 2013 season opener on August 30, NDSU upset defending Big 12 champion Kansas State 24–21. Bohl won more games than any other NDSU head football coach; he surpassed Rocky Hager on September 21 with his 92nd win.

On Saturday, January 4, 2014, he led the Bison to their third straight FCS football championship, downing Towson 35–7. The Bison were the second team in FCS history to three straight national championships, after Appalachian State (2005–2007).

Wyoming

[edit]

Bohl was hired at Wyoming of the Mountain West Conference in December 2013 and took over in January, after leading North Dakota State to the 2013 FCS title.[3][4]

Following two difficult seasons with a combined record of 6–18 (4–12 in conference play), Bohl's Cowboys went 8–4 (6–2 in conference play) to win the Mountain Division in 2016. On November 29, 2016, Bohl was selected as the Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year.[5] On the eve of Wyoming's first conference championship game in twenty years, Wyoming gave Bohl a contract extension through 2023.[6] Wyoming was invited to their first bowl game in five seasons at the end of the 2016 season, the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl, losing to BYU, 24–21.

In 2017, Wyoming again finished with a winning record, and were invited to the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, defeating Central Michigan 37–14. This marked the first time since the 1987-86 seasons that Wyoming had played in bowl games in consecutive years.[1] Wyoming reached bowl eligibility in 2018 and 2019, and were invited to the 2019 Arizona Bowl, defeating Georgia State 38–17.

In 2020, Bohl again received a contract extension, this time through the 2024 season.[7]

On December 6, 2023, Bohl announced his retirement from the Wyoming program, effective after the Cowboys' Arizona Bowl appearance on December 30.[8]

Head coaching record

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Media# Coaches°
North Dakota State Bison (North Central Conference) (2003)
2003 North Dakota State 8–3 5–2 T–2nd 10 22
North Dakota State Bison (Great West Conference) (2004–2007)
2004 North Dakota State 8–3 2–3 3rd Ineligible 23 23
2005 North Dakota State 7–4 3–2 3rd Ineligible
2006 North Dakota State 10–1 4–0 1st Ineligible 5 5
2007 North Dakota State 10–1 3–1 2nd Ineligible 9 9
North Dakota State Bison (Missouri Valley Football Conference) (2008–2013)
2008 North Dakota State 6–5 4–4 T–4th
2009 North Dakota State 3–8 2–6 7th
2010 North Dakota State 9–5 4–4 T–3rd L NCAA Division I Quarterfinal 9 9
2011 North Dakota State 14–1 7–1 T–1st W NCAA Division I Championship 1 1
2012 North Dakota State 14–1 7–1 1st W NCAA Division I Championship 1 1
2013 North Dakota State 15–0 8–0 1st W NCAA Division I Championship 1 1
North Dakota State: 104–32 49–24
Wyoming Cowboys (Mountain West Conference) (2014–present)
2014 Wyoming 4–8 2–6 T–5th (Mountain)
2015 Wyoming 2–10 2–6 6th (Mountain)
2016 Wyoming 8–6 6–2 T–1st (Mountain) L Poinsettia
2017 Wyoming 8–5 5–3 T–2nd (Mountain) W Famous Idaho Potato
2018 Wyoming 6–6 4–4 3rd (Mountain)
2019 Wyoming 8–5 4–4 4th (Mountain) W Arizona
2020 Wyoming 2–4 2–4 8th
2021 Wyoming 7–6 2–6 T–4th (Mountain) W Famous Idaho Potato
2022 Wyoming 7–6 5–3 T–2nd (Mountain) L Arizona
2023 Wyoming 9–4 5–3 T–4th W Arizona
Wyoming: 61–60 37–41
Total: 165–92
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth
  • #Rankings from the final Dopke poll for North Dakota State (2003), final Sports Network poll for North Dakota State (2004–2013), and AP Poll for Wyoming from 2014 to present..
  • °Rankings from the AFCA Poll for North Dakota State (2003), FCS Coaches' Poll for North Dakota State (2004–2013) and USA Today Coaches' Poll for Wyoming (2014–present)..

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Craig Bohl

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from Grokipedia
Craig Bohl (born July 27, 1958) is an American coach and executive who has served as the executive director of the (AFCA) since January 2024. He is best known for his successful tenures as a head coach at the (2014–2023) and (2003–2013), where he compiled a career college head coaching record of 165–92 and led his teams to multiple conference titles and national championships. Bohl began his coaching career as a at his alma mater, the University of , in 1981, earning a in there in 1982. Over the next two decades, he held assistant coaching positions at several programs, including State (1984), Tulsa (1985–1986), (1987–1988), (1989–1993) as , and (1994) as , before returning to as linebackers coach (1995–2002) and (2000–2002), contributing to national championships in 1995 and 1997. At State, Bohl transformed the into a powerhouse, achieving a 104–32 record, three consecutive titles (2011–2013), and three straight FCS national championships (2011–2013), earning him multiple Coach of the Year honors, including the Eddie Robinson Award in 2012 and 2013. As at , Bohl became the program's winningest coach with a 61–60 record over ten seasons, guiding the Cowboys to six appearances—the most in school history—and four bowl victories, including three consecutive wins from 2017 to 2021. His Wyoming teams produced notable NFL talent, such as (drafted seventh overall in 2018), and posted a 49–48 record from 2016 to 2023, including four winning seasons, after an initial 6–19 start. Bohl announced his from coaching following the 2023 season, succeeded by Jay Sawvel, and transitioned to AFCA leadership due to his long involvement with the , including serving as its president in 2022.

Early life

Education

Craig Bohl was born on July 27, 1958, in . He grew up in Lincoln, raised by blue-collar parents in a family with ties to a near a small Nebraska town, and developed a strong affinity for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football program from an early age. Bohl attended Lincoln East High School, where he participated in football and suffered an injury late in his senior year that impacted his recruiting prospects. Following high school, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as a walk-on athlete, transitioning into a role as a reserve defensive back while pursuing his studies. Bohl earned a in from the in 1982. During his later undergraduate years, he began gaining coaching experience as a at Nebraska starting in 1981, assisting with linebackers and defensive backs under head coach .

Playing career

Craig Bohl played as a reserve for the from 1977 to 1979 under head coach . During his tenure, Bohl was part of teams that achieved consistent success in the , culminating in multiple bowl game appearances. In the 1977 season, Nebraska finished 9-3 and secured a victory in the against , 21-17. The 1978 season saw the Cornhuskers go 9-3 overall (including a 31-24 loss to in the ), tying for the conference title. Bohl's senior year in 1979 featured a 10-2 regular-season record and a second-place finish in the Big Eight with a 6-1 conference record, though the team fell to in the regular-season finale; the Cornhuskers then lost to in the Cotton Bowl, 14-17, finishing 10-3 overall. Though primarily a reserve, Bohl contributed to Nebraska's defensive efforts during an era when the program was establishing itself as a national contender under , appearing in games across three bowl-bound seasons. Following his playing career, Bohl transitioned directly into coaching, serving as a at in 1981.

Later career

Retirement

On December 6, 2023, Craig Bohl announced his retirement as head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys after 10 seasons, stating that it was time to step away and entrust the program to new leadership. Bohl, who had built the program into a consistent contender within the Mountain West Conference, expressed pride in his tenure, which marked the longest of any head coach in Wyoming history. He concluded his time at Wyoming with an overall record of 61-60, including six bowl appearances. Bohl's final game came on December 30, 2023, in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, where the secured a dramatic 16-15 walk-off victory over the on a 24-yard as time expired. This win capped his coaching career on a high note, providing a fitting end to his on-field leadership. In reflecting on his decision, Bohl indicated a desire to allow a younger coach to take over while pursuing personal interests such as horses and , signaling a shift toward more personal pursuits after decades in the demanding role. The university simultaneously named Jay Sawvel as his successor, a move Bohl supported to ensure continuity. The retirement and handover to Sawvel contributed to program stability, as their mentor-mentee relationship facilitated a seamless transition, allowing to maintain the infrastructure of consistency Bohl had established over the prior decade.

AFCA executive director

In February 2024, Craig Bohl assumed the role of of the (AFCA), succeeding Todd Berry who had led the organization since 2016. This appointment followed Bohl's retirement from head coaching at the , marking his shift to full-time administrative leadership in . As , Bohl oversees an association with over 11,000 members and stakeholders, focusing on advocacy for football coaches at all levels, organization of the annual AFCA Convention—which serves as a key event—and influencing NCAA rules and policies to support the profession. His has emphasized collaborative efforts, such as recommending a single transfer portal window for the 2025-26 , a decision unanimously supported by AFCA to streamline player movements and enhance program stability. Bohl has spearheaded initiatives on equipment safety and coach development, including his selection in 2025 as the AFCA's representative on the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) , where he contributes to establishing standards for protective gear to reduce injury risks. Additionally, under his direction, the AFCA launched "Coaching Minds Changing Lives" in September 2025, a national resource providing coaches with tools to support student-athletes' mental health, promoting holistic development beyond the field. In public engagements, Bohl has highlighted the broader impact of coaching, such as during his August 2025 visit to training camp, where he reunited with former player and reflected on Allen's growth, stating, “My instincts told me there was greatness to him, and it was going to take a little bit to develop, but he certainly did.” Through 2025, Bohl's tenure has continued to shape the profession, including partnerships with the NCAA and to host the FCS National Showcase at the FCS Championship, spotlighting talent and fostering opportunities for emerging players.

Achievements

Championships and awards

During his tenure as head coach at , Craig Bohl guided the Bison to three consecutive NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013. These victories also included three straight (MVFC) titles, underscoring his ability to build a dominant program in the FCS ranks. At the , Bohl led the Cowboys to the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division championship in 2016, marking a significant turnaround for the program. Bohl's coaching excellence earned him multiple prestigious awards. He received the Eddie Robinson Award, recognizing the top FCS coach, in both 2012 and 2013 for his leadership in State's undefeated national title runs. Additionally, he was named the (AFCA) FCS National Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2013, highlighting his national impact. Bohl also secured AFCA Region 4 FCS Coach of the Year honors in 2011 and 2013, along with three MVFC Coach of the Year selections from 2011 to 2013. In 2016, he was voted Mountain West Coach of the Year for guiding to its division title. Bohl's championship success reflects a philosophy centered on disciplined fundamentals, local recruiting, and a power-running offensive style adapted to program needs, fostering sustained team resilience and execution under pressure. This approach, emphasizing player development and cultural fit, enabled consistent high-level performance across different competitive landscapes, from FCS dominance to FBS resurgence.

Head coaching record

Craig Bohl's overall head coaching record stands at 165–92 (.642) across 21 seasons at North Dakota State (2003–2013) and Wyoming (2014–2023). His performance differed by division level, with a 104–32 (.765) mark at the FCS level and 61–60 (.504) at the FBS level. Postseason records include 15–1 in FCS playoffs at North Dakota State and 4–1 in FBS bowls at Wyoming, with no vacated games in official NCAA tallies.

North Dakota State Bison (2003–2013)

YearOverallConference
20038–35–2 (NCC)
20048–36–1 (GWC)
20057–45–2 (GWC)
200610–16–0 (GWC)
200710–16–0 (GWC)
20086–54–4 (MVFC)
20093–82–6 (MVFC)
20109–54–4 (MVFC)
201114–17–1 (MVFC)
201214–17–1 (MVFC)
201315–08–0 (MVFC)
Total104–3260–21

Wyoming Cowboys (2014–2023)

YearOverallConference (MWC)
20144–82–6
20152–101–7
20168–66–2
20178–55–3
20186–64–4
20198–54–4
20202–42–2
20217–65–3
20227–65–3
20239–45–3
Total61–6039–37

Notable players

Under Craig Bohl's coaching, several players emerged as standout talents, transitioning from college standouts to professional success, reflecting his emphasis on disciplined development and pro-style preparation. Josh Allen, who played quarterback for Wyoming from 2015 to 2017, exemplified Bohl's player development approach after arriving as a lightly recruited junior college transfer. Under Bohl, Allen started 25 games, compiling 5,066 passing yards, 44 passing touchdowns, and 2,248 rushing yards with 12 rushing scores, while leading the Cowboys to 16 wins, including a Mountain West title game appearance in 2016. His 2017 season set Wyoming records for single-season passing efficiency (127.78) and ranked third in total offense (3,726 yards), earning him Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors. Selected seventh overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2018 NFL Draft, Allen has since become a three-time Pro Bowler, 2024 NFL MVP, and led the Bills to multiple playoff appearances, amassing over 22,000 passing yards and 200 total touchdowns in his pro career. At North Dakota State from 2011 to 2015, , whom Bohl recruited and coached during his early years, quarterbacked the to an FCS in 2012 and appeared in the 2013 title game under Bohl before the team won additional titles in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, Wentz guided NDSU to a 15-1 record, throwing for 3,111 yards and 25 while rushing for 367 yards and four scores, culminating in a 29-27 championship win over Illinois State where he scored the game-winning on a 5-yard run. Drafted second overall by the in 2016, Wentz led them to a victory in 2017 (earning NFC Offensive Player of the Year) and has since played for the , , and , totaling over 25,000 passing yards and 190 in the . Other notable players developed under Bohl include Wyoming Ayden Eberhardt (2018-2021), who recorded 16 receptions for 252 yards as a in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and finished his career with 45 catches for 717 yards and four touchdowns before signing with the in the CFL, where he contributed to playoff runs. At , Kyle (2010-2014) anchored the Bison's defense during two championships, earning four-time All-MVFC honors with 32.5 sacks and 51 tackles for loss, then playing five NFL seasons with the , recording 10.5 sacks. Wyoming Logan (2017-2019), a Bohl recruit, led the Mountain West in tackles as a senior (117 total) before becoming a fourth-round pick by the in 2020, where he has started over 50 games and earned a nod in 2022. Bohl's recruiting philosophy centered on identifying high-character athletes with raw potential suited for a "developmental game," prioritizing pro-style schemes at both NDSU and to prepare players for the , which resulted in 8 Wyoming draftees and 16 players who reached the during his tenures. He emphasized holistic growth, blending physical training with mentorship to build resilient leaders. In August 2025, following Allen's induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame, Bohl commented on his former quarterback's trajectory, stating, "My instincts told me there was greatness to him... he transformed the state," while praising Allen's ongoing dominance as a path toward the .

References

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  2. https://gobison.com/honors/bison-athletic-hall-of-fame/craig-bohl/338
  3. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/craig-bohl-1.html
  4. https://gowyo.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/craig-bohl/65
  5. https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/craig-bohl-retires-revered-coach-ends-decade-run-at-wyoming-led-north-dakota-state-to-three-national-titles/
  6. https://gowyo.com/news/2016/6/29/577416a6e4b0bdd131aca9d3_131478147516952986
  7. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/11326572/craig-bohl-perfect-fit-wyoming-cowboys
  8. https://www.dailynebraskan.com/sports/wyoming-coach-s-career-filled-with-nebraska-connections/article_25f1cdfc-7570-11e6-9189-1f628e991a96.html
  9. https://www.afca.com/craig-bohl-announced-as-the-new-afca-executive-director/
  10. https://www.sweetwaternow.com/craig-bohl-hired-wyoming-head-football-coach-bohl-built-national-championship-program-north-dakota-state-coaching-roots-trace-back-alma-mater-nebraska/
  11. https://gowyo.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/craig-bohl/105
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  17. https://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=401554566
  18. https://utrockets.com/news/2023/12/30/football-toledo-falls-to-wyoming-in-barstool-sports-arizona-bowl-16-15.aspx
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  21. https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyosports/university_of_wyoming/jay-sawvel-taking-the-baton-from-craig-bohl/article_34ded5fa-60cf-11ef-a91d-9b6e4da3374a.html
  22. https://coacheshotseat.com/wyoming-football-2025-season-preview-jay-sawvels-critical-second-year/
  23. https://apnews.com/article/craig-bohl-afca-3c9b69345143cd57105de1bbcec058d7
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  25. https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/article298520398.html
  26. https://nocsae.org/craig-bohl/
  27. https://www.afca.com/coaching-minds-changing-lives-new-national-resource-empowers-coaches-to-support-student-athletes-mental-health/
  28. https://www.afca.com/afcas-craig-bohl-reunites-with-josh-allen-visits-buffalo-to-champion-college-football/
  29. https://www.ncaa.org/news/2025/10/31/media-center-event-at-fcs-championship-will-showcase-talents-of-players.aspx
  30. https://gobison.com/news/2011/11/23/28957.aspx
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  36. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10102186/craig-bohl-else-coach-north-dakota-state-bison
  37. https://stats.gobison.com/fb/HISTRESU.HTM
  38. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wyoming/index.html
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  40. https://www.commanders.com/news/commanders-carson-wentz-future-began-in-fargo
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  42. https://www.si.com/college/2015/01/10/2015-fcs-championship-score-north-dakota-state-illinois-state
  43. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400749714
  44. https://gowyo.com/sports/football/roster/ayden-eberhardt/6002
  45. https://www.inforum.com/i-cant-thank-the-man-enough-craig-bohls-former-players-on-what-the-former-bison-coach-meant-to-them
  46. https://www.pokesnews.com/post/bohl-era-players-in-the-nfl
  47. https://gowyo.com/news/2017/8/8/598a4ee5e4b0ee7646cbe612_131478168647401016
  48. https://www.buffalobills.com/video/craig-bohl-talks-josh-allen-s-hall-of-fame-induction-coaching-bobby-babich-his-time-with-wyoming-more
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