Bobby Hauck’s Sudden Retirement: The Shocking Future Awaiting Montana Football and the Big Sky Conference

Change rattled through Montana’s football scene as Bobby Hauck stepped away from the helm — a move catching many off guard yet strangely fitting, given the whirlwind of modern college football chaos. On this installment of Big Sky Now, we dive deep with the Daily Inter Lake crew, shedding light on what Hauck’s retirement spells not just for the Griz, but the entire Big Sky Conference and the shifting landscape of FCS ball. With host Luke Schmit alongside sports editor Fritz Neighbor and reporter Jon Allen, we unravel the layers behind Hauck’s exit — from his growing weariness with the transfer portal’s tidal waves and the NIL storm to the domino effects on signing days and team continuity. Hauck’s mark as the Big Sky’s winningest coach looms large, and the panel wrestles with why this departure, while abrupt, somehow felt like the final chapter. Then, eyes turn to Bobby Kennedy’s arrival, Montana’s outlook going into spring, and the ripple effect for player loyalty and future competitiveness. Alongside, the discussion broadens to the Big Sky’s offseason buzz, reuniting dynamic QB-receiver tandems, and the league’s increasing imprint on the pro ranks. It’s a lot to unpack — but one thing’s clear: change is here, and it’s poised to reshape the game’s future. LEARN MORE

Feb. 10—Bobby Hauck has officially retired as head coach of Montana football, and on this episode of Big Sky Now, the Daily Inter Lake panel breaks down what it means for the Griz, the Big Sky Conference, and the future of FCS football. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake’s sports editor Fritz Neighbor and reporter Jon Allen to unpack the timing and nuance behind Hauck’s decision — from his growing frustration with the transfer portal and NIL era to the ripple effects of signing day, recruiting cycles, and roster stability. The panel reflects on Hauck’s legacy as the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history, his two tenures in Missoula, and why this retirement felt sudden — yet inevitable. The discussion also turns to Bobby Kennedy stepping in as Montana’s next head coach, how the Griz are positioned heading into spring ball, and what this change could mean for player retention and competitiveness in 2026. Plus, the crew touches on Big Sky offseason storylines, returning quarterback-receiver duos across the state, and the growing national footprint of Big Sky players at the professional level.