Longtime Concordia-Moorhead men's basketball coach Duane Siverson has decided to resign after the completion of the 2007-08 season. Siverson, who is currently in his 17th season as head coach of the men's program and 30th year at Concordia, cited personal reasons for the decision.
“I have been thinking about this decision for a while now,” said Siverson. I have come to a point in my career where I have accomplished many things I set out to do in the coaching profession. Having been the coach for both the men's and women's programs, I understand that I have been blessed in many ways that few coaches have experienced. Concordia College and coaching basketball have been major parts of my life and I appreciate all the support I've received during my tenure. I know I will miss the competitive arena that basketball creates but it is time to channel those energies in some other areas.”
Siverson became the head men's coach in 1991 after serving as the head women's basketball coach at Concordia from 1984-1991. He is the winningest coach in Cobber basketball history, having accumulated 338 total wins with both the men's and women's basketball programs. In his 17 years as the Cobber men's head coach Siverson put together three of the four most successful seasons in Concordia history. He has 173 wins on the men's side and led the Cobbers to six MIAC playoff appearances. Concordia won the MIAC tournament title in 1995 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. Siverson was the guiding force behind the Concordia women's team's NCAA National Championship in 1988. He forged an impressive 165-38 record in seven seasons for the women. During that time the team won four MIAC titles and appeared in four national tournaments. He was named the NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 1988.
Concordia athletic director Larry Papenfuss said, “I was surprised by Duane's decision to step down after the season. He has been a tremendous asset to the Concordia basketball programs and to our athletic department but, more importantly, has been a great mentor to many student-athletes during his tenure at the college.”
Siverson will remain at the college and continue to work in the athletic department. He will return to a more active role as a coach in the golf programs at Concordia. Siverson was the head women's golf coach from 1980-2002. His teams finished second in the 2000 and 2001 Division III national tournaments. The Cobbers were also second or third in the NCAA Division III national championships from 1992-1995. During Siverson's tenure, Concordia was the premier program in the MIAC, winning 11 of the first 12 conference championships.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to take on a different role at the college. Being a head coach in college is a very time consuming job that involves making many sacrifices,” added Siverson.
At this time no decision has been made about the hiring process for the head men's basketball coach. The process will begin after the first of the year.