[Athletics] Franzen Steps Down as Athletic Director

Doane University Director of Athletics Matt Franzen announced this morning (Tuesday, December 1) that he is resigning from his position in order to pursue a return to coaching. Franzen has served at the helm of the Tigers' athletics department since July 2018.

"Shortly after I made the decision to take an administrative position, I realized that I still have a strong interest in coaching," Franzen said. "I made the conscious decision to return to coaching when a good opportunity presented itself, and my true hope was to do this as a head coach.

"A coach has boots on the ground every day and touches so many lives directly. Although I have never had higher highs (or possibly lower lows) than walking the sideline, the opportunity to impact young lives and shape the future of our communities in that way is what has led to this decision."

Franzen has completed the rare trifecta of being a player, coach, and administrator at different points in time at one university. He was a member of the Doane football team from 1990-1993, earning NAIA First Team All-American honors as an offensive lineman in 1993. The Tigers finished the 1993 season 10-1, ranked #2 in the NAIA. 

After serving on the Hastings College football coaching staff from 1996-2006, Franzen served as the Head Football Coach at Doane from 2007-2017, compiling a 65-49 overall record. Within five years of being hired as Head Coach at Doane, Franzen turned the football program around from a 1-9 record to 8-2 and a NAIA national ranking. He was named GPAC Coach of the Year in 2014 and led the Tigers to NAIA playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016. 

Franzen was introduced as Athletic Director on July 2, 2018. During his time as AD, four Doane student-athletes won National Championships, four teams won conference championships, and Doane ranked #1 in the 2019-20 NAIA Helper Helper Challenge, meaning Doane student-athletes recorded more volunteer hours than any of the nearly 200 other participating NAIA schools since July 2019. Franzen also hired head coaches in football, wrestling, volleyball, women's basketball,  softball, and tennis as well as head athletic trainer during his tenure.

A native of Lincoln, NE, Franzen graduated from Doane College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. He also holds a Master's degree in Teaching/Physical Education from Hastings College. 

Doane will begin to work on interim plans after Franzen's departure in December.