Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head football coach Mike Schmidt announced today the promotion of Ryan Schlichte to the team's offensive coordinator position. Schlichte has spent the last two seasons leading the Wolves quarterbacks as a graduate assistant.
 
"When I set out to find our next offensive coordinator, I was looking for a proven winner, an innovative mind, and someone who is aligned with our values at Northern State," noted Schmidt. "We didn't have to look far. Coach Schlichte has been a winner in the NSIC as a player and was integral to our success at Northern in 2021. He's the right coach for this job."
 
"I could not be more thankful for the incredible opportunity to be the offensive coordinator at Northern State University," explained Schlichte. "I'm extremely grateful to Terri Holmes and Coach Schmidt for their belief in me. Another important thank you is to my fiancé (Brooklyn), our entire staff, and current players for their roles in helping fulfill this new role."
 
In 2021, Schlichte coached the Wolves passing crew to the seventh ranked offense at the NCAA Division II level. The Wolves averaged 322.9 yards passing per game with 37 touchdowns. In addition, starting quarterback Hunter Trautman broke the Northern State school records for single season total offense, single season passing touchdowns, career total offense, and career passing touchdowns.
 
"Northern is a truly remarkable place because of the endless pursuit of championships and the amazing people of the Aberdeen community, Northern State faculty and staff, and of course the student-athletes," added Schlichte. "I've been a part of multiple championship teams in this league as a player, and we have a fantastic group of kids here right now that I love to work with and are capable of achieving an NSIC Championship and more. Go Wolves!"
 
Schlichte was a 3-year starting quarterback at Minnesota State University, where the Mavericks won three straight NSIC Championships. He was a 3-time all-conference selection, 2017 and 2019 CoSIDA Academic All-District recipient, and an Elite 90 award winner. Schlichte threw for 5,918 yards in his career with 66 touchdowns. He added 1,101 yards rushing and nine rushing scores. In 2019, he was voted a team captain for the Mavericks.
 
Schmidt added, "Ryan has developed great relationships in the locker room, in the Athletic Department, and throughout the Aberdeen community. He has coaching and teaching in his blood and is wise beyond his years. Ryan is a great young coach with an amazing future in this profession because he gets it."
 
Schlichte is a 2019 graduate of Minnesota State with a bachelor's in Social Studies Education. He graduate with a master's degree in Educational Studies from NSU in December of 2021.