Danny Freund Returns to North Dakota as Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota head football coach Eric Schmidt announced the return of Danny Freund as the Fighting Hawks' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Monday.

"Danny Freund is someone I trust to lead our offense," said Schmidt. "He is one of the best offensive minds in the country and I am excited to see what he brings to our organization moving forward."

In addition, Schmidt also announced that current Assistant Head Coach and Tight Ends Coach Gordie Haug will also serve as the run game coordinator.

Freund returns to Grand Forks after serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Washington State during the 2025 season and co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at South Dakota State in 2024. He previously spent 13 seasons on the North Dakota coaching staff from 2011–23, including the final five as offensive coordinator.

During his most recent stint with the Fighting Hawks, Freund helped guide UND to the 2023 FCS Playoffs while the offense ranked among the national leaders in efficiency. North Dakota finished the season ranked No. 3 in the FCS in completion percentage, No. 5 in fewest turnovers and No. 7 in third-down conversion percentage. Quarterback Tommy Schuster closed his career as the program's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions under Freund's direction.

Freund was part of multiple postseason and championship runs during his previous tenure at UND. North Dakota reached the FCS Playoffs five times, captured a trio of conference titles and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2020.

"My family and I are thrilled to be back in Grand Forks," said Freund. "Thank you to the administration, Coach Schmidt and the staff. We look forward to getting to work to build off the 2025 season and make our fans and alumni proud."

Following the 2023 season, Freund spent the 2024 campaign at South Dakota State, helping the Jackrabbits to a 12–3 record, an MVFC championship, and a trip to the FCS semifinals. The SDSU offense finished the season ranked No. 4 in the FCS in scoring offense and No. 3 in rushing offense, while allowing just 0.53 sacks per game, the fewest nationally.

In 2025, Freund moved to Washington State as the Cougars' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. WSU capped the season with a victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, setting program bowl records with 628 total yards and 255 rushing yards. The Cougar offense also finished the bowl season ranked among the FBS leaders in fourth-down conversion percentage and time of possession.

As a player, Freund went 16-6 as a two-year starter for the Fighting Sioux, finishing his career as the program's most accurate passer. His 68.9 career completion percentage still tops the charts and he also owns the top single-season completion mark of 71.9 that he set as a senior in 2008. He threw for 5,239 yards and 47 touchdowns, which rank fifth and fourth on the all-time career lists at UND.

Freund earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and his master's degree in educational leadership from North Dakota.

For more information on North Dakota football, follow on social media @UNDfootball or visit FightingHawks.com.

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