November 12, 2007
(release courtesy of Dave Blanchard, Luther sports information)

DECORAH, IOWA . . . Two days after completing his sixth year as Luther College Head Football Coach, Paul Hefty has announced his resignation.

“After every season since taking this job six years ago, I have evaluated whether or not I wanted to continue to be a head football coach,” commented Hefty. “This decision was mine and mine alone, and needless to say was difficult, because I care deeply for the student-athletes, the coaching staff and Luther College. I am extremely proud of the things our football program has accomplished during the past six years. The combination of our success and my desire to pursue other interests outside of football, I felt the time was right for me to step down. I have told our players from day one that change is good, and that change makes things better.”

During his tenure, the Luther Hall of Famer turned a program around that had not posted a winning season for 10 years, and led the Norse to three consecutive winning records (2003-2005) for the first time since 1982-1984. He completed his six years as head coach with a record of 29-31. This year, after dropping its first three games to nationally ranked teams, he led Luther to victories in five of its last seven games, en route to a record of 5-5.

His no-huddle offense produced 15 school records and in 2006 was ranked fourth in the nation for yards per game (445.5). Entering the 2007 campaign, He had coached 25 all-conference and three all-region performers. He also had two players selected to play in the prestigious Aztec Bowl.

"I appreciate Paul's leadership and the contributions he has made to the football program at Luther College,” stated Director of Athletics Joe Thompson. “He has made our football program competitive again, but more importantly, he has been a wonderful mentor to our student-athletes. We will miss Paul and wish him all the best in the future."

Luther College is a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and is located in Decorah, Iowa. The Norse compete in 10 men's and nine women's intercollegiate sports.

As a member of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) since 1922, the men have won 141 conference championships. In 1982 the IIAC expanded its championship sponsorship to include women's sports. During this time span, the women have won 55 team titles. Combined, the Norse have captured an unmatched 196 IIAC titles.

More information on Luther College athletics can be found on the athletic web site at http://sports.luther.edu.

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