BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Jim Svoboda brought a quarter-century of
expertise and experience to the Montana State football program last
summer. On Friday, Bobcat head coach Rob Ash rewarded Svoboda with a
title that fits the experience.
Ash promoted Montana State's second-year quarterbacks coach to
Assistant Head Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator, a move Ash said
reflects Svoboda's duties in the Bobcat program. "This recognizes the
role Jim plays for us, and the wealth of experience he has gained over
the course of his career. He plays an integral role in our success."
Svoboda joined Ash's staff last summer from UCLA, where he had
coached from 2004-06, including the last season as the Bruins' offensive
coordinator. A finalist for the 2005 Frank Broyles Award as the nation's
top assistant football coach, Svoboda graduated from Northwestern (Ia.)
in 1983. He served as assistant coach at his alma mater in 1983, and has
coached at Eastern New Mexico (1985-86), Nebraska Wesleyan (1987), and
Northwest Missouri (1994-2003) before moving to UCLA. He was also head
coach at Nebraska Wesleyan from 1988-93, earning league coach of the
year honors three times.
According to Ash, Svoboda and Bobcat offensive coordinator Dale
Ploessl collaborate on MSU's offensive design. "Dale has found Jim to be
a valuable resource," Ash said. "He brings a unique perspective to our
program."