| Durnin 2011 d3photography.com photo by Ryan Coleman |
Luther athletic director Joe Thompson has announced that
football coach Mike Durnin has resigned.
The Norse were 0-10 this season and have lost 11 consecutive
games. Luther was 18-32 (.360) in his five seasons.
“I have decided that it is in the best interest of the
Norse football program to step down as head football coach of
Luther College,” Durnin said. “I am very grateful for
the opportunity given to me by Rick Torgerson and Joe Thompson to
have served as head football coach at Luther College. I am proud of
the players I have coached these past five years, the high
standards they have set, and how they have developed as great young
men on and off the field of competition. The young men who I have
had the honor of coaching will all be successful in life as they
are first class individuals. I am also confident the present group
of players will make great strides during the offseason and do a
great job of moving the program forward.
“I wish nothing but the best for the Norse football program
and Luther College. I would also like to extend a big thank-you to
the Decorah community for all their support during the past five
years!”
Durnin's time at Luther started with three consecutive 5-5 seasons before the Norse slid to 3-7 in 2011.
“I am very appreciative of the service Mike has provided to Luther College and the football program these past five years,” Thompson said. “Mike's commitment to the Luther College football program, the NCAA (Division) III philosophy, and student-athlete welfare has been unwavering. He has been a wonderful mentor to our student-athletes and he has taught them many valuable life lessons.”