Coach Vance Winter Resigns After Eight Years of Coaching

by Clyde Ericson

The end of the football team’s season was bittersweet,as it marked coach Vance Winter’s last season as the head football coach for Concordia.

The Bulldogs ended the season undefeated at home with a 7-3 overall record after their victory. This allowed them to end the season ranked in the top 20 (No.18) in the NAIA for the first time since 2001. Following the season, Winter was named the GPAC coach of the year and 13 Bulldogs made all-conference.

After eight years of being the head coach, Winter’s team had a combined record of 41-44. He is ranked fourth all-time in overall wins among Concordia head football coaches.

“Coaching to me is relational and I enjoyed developing positive relationships with our guys over the years and watching them mature,” Winter said. “I would hope that our program helped a lot of guys develop consistency in their daily lives and pushed them to excel beyond what they thought they were capable (of).”

Winter said his decision to resign stemmed from frustration with the CEO aspects of coaching and the time that the position had taken away from his family.

Winter reflected on the personal aspects of coaching more fondly.

“Every graduation and Senior Day is bittersweet but (those) are also some of the best moments,” Winter said. “There is an enormous sense of pride at each event. To know personally the struggles that many of these guys face to finish and to know the work it takes to finish is a very proud moment for all of us coaches.”

Several players remarked on Winter’s relationship with his team.

“I will remember his hunting stories, and I have learned that faith, family and hard work are important,” senior defensive end Trey Barnes said.

“He always wanted to win, and we always wanted to win, but I think he cared more about what we learned from winning and losing,” senior tight end Cameron Christiansen said.

“I will remember Coach Winters for giving me the chance that no one else would,” senior quarterback TJ Austin said. “I’m forever grateful for that. He was never afraid of a challenge. He loved being the underdog. What I’ve learned is to put family first. I’d ride with Coach Winter any day. Even if we have to play in the parking lot.”

Winter’s coaching will continue to have a lasting impact on his players even after he is gone.

“It’s been a blessing,” Winter said. “I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to lead this program. It has been tough work and it has taken a ton of energy. There have been some incredible moments and there has been some heartbreaking times. Through it all, I have been so fortunate to coach some amazing people and coach with an amazing staff. They make things go in our program and have been incredibly instrumental to our success. I am thankful for them.”