Brandon Moore has resigned as Colorado School of Mines' head football coach to accept the head coaching job at the University of San Diego, Mines officials announced April 19.
Offensive coordinator Pete Sterbick has been named Mines' interim head coach and will lead the Orediggers during Saturday's spring game.
Moore first joined the Mines football program as a defensive coordinator seven years ago, and was named head coach in January 2022.
He helped lead the Orediggers to a 13-3 record, a conference championship and the NCAA Division II National Championship game during the 2022 season. He also received several accolades, including National Coach of the Year from the American Football Coaches Association.
"Mines is a truly special place full of special people. I can't express how proud I am to have been a part of it," Moore stated in an April 19 press release. "My family and I have made the decision to move on and accept an opportunity at the University of San Diego. I can't say enough about the family I will be leaving behind. The Mines community will always be special to me."
Football fans from Golden, San Diego and beyond congratulated the coach on social media, with Mines junior linebacker Adrian Moreno describing Moore as "a legend."
David Hansburg, Mines' director of athletics, expressed how happy he was for Moore and his family, and how proud he was of Moore's accomplishments during his seven years with the Orediggers.
However, Hansburg continued, Moore's departure doesn't change the football program's mission to win a national championship. He said the Orediggers will "move quickly to solidify our staff" before the 2023 season kicks off in August.
Sterbick, who's taking the reins in the interim, also received several national honors after the team's historic 2022 season.
After holding a number of head coach, coordinator and assistant coaching jobs throughout the country, Sterbick joined Mines in January 2019. Since then, he's helped develop the team's explosive offense, which led the nation in scoring in 2022.
The Mines Athletics department also said Sterbick's mentored several Oredigger playmakers, including Harlon Hill winning quarterback John Matocha, record-breaking running back Michael Zeman and All-American wide receiver Max McLeod.
"I am excited to be able to lead this program, but ultimately, Mines football is about our players and keeping them rolling on the same track," Sterbick said. "Our goal doesn't change: we will keep pushing for a national title."
The Orediggers are planning to wrap up their spring season April 22 with an intrasquad scrimmage. This spring game, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Marv Kay Stadium, is free and open to the public. For more information, visit MinesAthletics.com.
