Matt Entz's Ascent: From FCS Dynasty Architect to Power Four Coaching Prospect

You know, in the unpredictable landscape of college football coaching, some names just inherently stand out as future stars. Right now, one name generating considerable buzz for an eventual Power Four head coaching gig is Matt Entz. This isn't just idle chatter, mind you; ESPN's very own Adam Rittenberg recently highlighted Entz as a top candidate for a major job as soon as 2027. It's a significant endorsement, especially when you look at Entz's rather deliberate and intriguing career trajectory over the past few seasons.

Before his strategic, albeit brief, tenure as a defensive assistant at USC in 2024, and taking the helm at Fresno State in 2025, Entz was the undeniable architect of something truly special up in Fargo. As the head coach for North Dakota State from 2019 to 2023, he didn't just win games; he cultivated a culture of dominance. He amassed an astounding 60-11 record, leading the Bison to two FCS national championships in both 2019 and 2021. It's the kind of resume that simply demands attention, solidifying NDSU's dynasty and building upon the incredible foundation left by his predecessor.

His deep roots with the Bison actually began earlier, when he joined the staff as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2014 under Chris Klieman. Klieman, as many remember, eventually made his own successful leap to Kansas State, demonstrating a clear pipeline for talented NDSU coaches. It’s almost a well-trodden path for defensive minds emerging from Fargo, isn't it? We’ve seen it again with David Braun, who transitioned from NDSU's defensive coordinator role to impressively lead Northwestern. So, Entz is certainly following in some pretty significant footsteps while simultaneously forging his own unique path. Leaving the comfort of NDSU in 2023 was undoubtedly a bold move, a clear signal of his ambition to challenge himself at higher levels.

His single year at USC, while appearing to be a step back from a head coaching position, was, in reality, a masterstroke—a brilliant strategic pivot. It offered him invaluable exposure to the intricate inner workings of a Power Four program, allowing him to observe, absorb, and contribute at that elite level without the immense, all-consuming pressure of the top job. Think of it as a highly focused, advanced apprenticeship in big-time football. Then, seizing the head coaching opportunity at Fresno State for the 2025 season? That's his chance to reassert his leadership prowess and prove his ability to build and sustain a winning program, this time within the FBS, but with an even greater spotlight.

So, when Rittenberg predicts Entz as a prime candidate for a Power Four job in 2027, it truly resonates. He brings championships, an incredible win-loss record, a proven ability to foster and maintain a winning culture, and now, that critical recent exposure to high-major football. A native of Iowa, he's a coach who intrinsically understands the grind and what it takes to succeed. The real question isn't whether he'll eventually get that Power Four call, but rather precisely when and where that exciting opportunity will arise. It certainly feels like it’s only a matter of time before Matt Entz is patrolling the sidelines of a major college football program, fully prepared to replicate his championship-winning ways on an even grander stage.