Scott Underwood coached St. Cloud State football for 12 seasons and won 63% of his games before the school dropped the program in 2019.
Now, Underwood is back in charge of a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference team again. Hired by Southwest Minnesota State, he takes over a program that went 2-9 last year. The Mustangs open a new season Thursday night at Minnesota Duluth.
Underwood concedes his team is somewhat undermanned.
"It's not a big squad. Because we started in January, we didn't have a recruiting class," Underwood said. "And last year's team had 14 or 15 seniors. But the kids we have, have responded well and are a good fit."
The Mustangs finished last year with six consecutive losses. Former Gophers quarterback Cory Sauter, who had coached SMSU since 2010, stepped down following the season.
Underwood, who had an 86-51 record at St. Cloud State, took over in January. He said the Mustangs have gotten leadership from two seniors — running back Jesse Sherwood and linebacker Onte Burns.
"They have done a great job," said Underwood. "They have been fantastic with their work ethic and leadership."
Sherwood, from Minneapolis, rushed for 787 yards and six touchdowns in nine games last season. Burns, from Plymouth, is a three-year starter and has led the NSIC in tackles the past two seasons (the 2020 season was canceled).