MOORHEAD, Minn. – MSU Moorhead head men's basketball coach
Tim Bergstraser is stepping down from his post for the same position at NCAA Division I University of Denver.
Bergstraser takes the position after three successful seasons in Moorhead, accumulating a 75-22 overall record, including a trip to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen in 2024-25. In two of his three seasons with the Dragons, Bergstraser led MSUM to NSIC Tournament championships as well, most recently in 2024-25.
"I want to extend my deepest thanks to coach Bergstraser for his remarkable journey with Dragon athletics, which began in 2015 when he joined us as a graduate assistant coach," said MSUM athletic director
Chad Markuson. "Ten years ago when he started I knew there was something special about him as a coach and we are so lucky to have him share his talent with Dragon athletics over the years."
In 2024-25, Bergstraser and his staff continued to showcase MSUM as a high-level NCAA Division II program. Along with the NSIC Tournament title, Bergstraser collected 25 wins for the third straight season. The Dragons sat with a 12-8 record in late January and would proceed to rattle off 13 straight victories, guiding them to the NCAA Central Region Championship game. MSUM had All-NSIC seasons from
Carson Johnson (First Team),
Logan Kinsey (First Team) and
Jacob Jennissen (Second Team). Johnson was also named D2CCA and NABC All-Central Region.
"Coach Bergstraser will be greatly missed at Minnesota State University Moorhead. We are thankful for the positive impact he has had on our team and university. Tim is a developer of young men who compete on and off the court; becoming great citizens who make positive impacts in their professions and communities," said MSUM President
Dr. Tim Downs. "Coach Bergstraser has led our program to achieve national prominence and we know that in time Tim's leadership of DU Men's Basketball will yield a nationally recognized program; we look forward to cheering him on as he achieves this goal."
MSUM finished the 2023-24 season with a 25-6 overall record and an 18-6 mark in NSIC competition. In his second season, Bergstraser only upped the profile of MSU Moorhead men's basketball, helping the program to its first number one ranking in the NABC Coaches' Poll on January 9, 2024. The Dragons spent the entire season ranked within the top 13 in the country in the NABC Poll.
Bergstraser continued MSUM's high level success in his first season at the helm of Dragon men's basketball. MSUM went 25-7 in 2022-23, including a 17-5 mark in NSIC competition. The Dragons secured their second consecutive NSIC Tournament championship with a resounding win over Minnesota Duluth in the tournament title game. MSUM would go on to compete at the NCAA Central Region Tournament in Maryville, Mo.
"Over the last three years as head coach, he has not only upheld the rich tradition of Dragon basketball but has also inspired countless players to reach their full potential. His leadership and mentorship will be missed, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has done," said Markuson. "I wish both Tim and Ashley all the best as they embark on this exciting new chapter of their lives at Denver University. I have no doubt they will continue to excel and make a positive impact in their new environment."
A national search for MSUM's next head men's basketball coach will begin immediately.
