North Dakota State College of Science has announced a leadership change in its football program as head football coach Eric Issendorf is stepping away from the role. The College extends its sincere thanks to Coach Issendorf for his commitment and service to Wildcat Football.
Details regarding his future plans have not been shared at the time of this release.
The Wildcats concluded their 2025 season with a 10-2 overall record, competing in the National Championship game this past weekend, marking another competitive year in the MCAC.
With Issendorf’s departure, NDSCS proudly announces that Mark Kennedy has been promoted to head football coach. Kennedy joined the Wildcats in 2025, serving as the offensive line coach, and brings a proven track record of leadership, program development and offensive innovation.
Kennedy’s coaching career spans multiple levels of North Dakota football, including roles as head football coach at Williston High School and Surrey High School. While at Williston, he coached athletes to all-state honors and served on the coaching team for the 2024 Shrine All-Star Game. At Surrey, he led the program to state playoff appearances, two region championships and top-tier state rankings, earning Region Coach of the Year honors in both 2020 and 2021.
Kennedy began his college coaching career at Minot State University, assisting with running backs, special teams, and strength and conditioning.
“I am very thankful and honored to be named head football coach at North Dakota State College of Science,” Kennedy said. “I would like to thank our Athletic Director, Reggie Jackson, for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to lead young people in the direction of success on and off the field. Go Cats!”
Jackson added, “Mark’s proven leadership in coaching and mentoring young men will allow him to continue to build upon the tradition of success the football program has had at NDSCS. We’re proud to be promoting a coach who is already a team leader.”
