MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski announced on Monday that Cory Sauter has been named the head football coach at SMSU. 

Sauter has served as the interim head coach since the Feb. 26 resignation of Eric Eidsness to accept an assistant coaching position at South Dakota State University. 

Sauter is the 10th head coach in the 43-year history of the program.

Sauter recently completed his second season as an assistant coach at SMSU in 2009, serving as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.  During his first season in 2008, Sauter served as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.

“It is an honor and privilege to be named the next head football coach at Southwest Minnesota State University,” Sauter said.  “This is a tremendous opportunity and our student-athletes are excited to move forward after a month of uncertainty.  I hope to provide a high level of passion, leadership and discipline to the Mustang football program.  Our goal is to continue to be a first-class football program that our university and community can be proud of.  The NSIC is an extremely competitive conference, and we embrace the challenges that lie ahead.  Our players are eager to begin spring practices and take a step closer towards our goals in 2010.”

During Sauter's season as offensive coordinator in 2009, SMSU averaged 36 points per game, the third highest in school history, and also scored 30 or more points in eight games, tying a school single-season record.  SMSU quarterback Ryan Ratekin was named NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year, setting a school record with a 63.9 completion percentage, while passing for 2,963 yards and 33 touchdowns.  The 33 touchdown passes rank as the third highest in school history.

SMSU quarterback Josh Shudlick had a record-breaking season during Sauter's first season on the sideline in 2008, setting a conference record for passing yards and tying the NSIC record for touchdown passes in one season.  The Mustang offense led the NSIC in passing yards, while Shudlick finished first in the conference in passing yards per game and total offense.

“Coach Sauter will bring a wealth of knowledge from his playing and coaching experiences with teams at the Division I, NFL and Division II levels,” Hmielewski said.  “He has assembled an experienced group of coaches to join the staff solidifying the defensive side of the ball as well as maintaining offensive line coach Andy Carr.  Together, Coach Carr and Sauter provide a knowledgeable and dynamic duo to lead our offense and overall football program into the future.”

Sauter is expected to named additional members to the coaching staff this week.

Prior to SMSU, Sauter, spent several years coaching at both the collegiate and professional levels.  In 2006, he served as quarterbacks/receivers coach for the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe and was also a graduate assistant at the University of Minnesota.  In 2007, he was quarterbacks coach for the Berlin Thunder, also of NFL Europe.

Sauter is a 1997 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in science/kinesiology, where he had a record-setting career at quarterback for the Golden Gophers.  He played four seasons for Minnesota (1994-97), including starting the final 34 games of his collegiate career, and played in the Blue-Gray All-Star Football Classic following his senior season.  A two-time team captain, he finished his career as the school's all-time career record holder for pass completions, pass attempts and passing yards.  A four-time Academic All-Big Ten and two-time Academic All-District honoree, Sauter was named the team's offensive MVP in 1995.  He was honored with the Paul Giel Award in 1997 for unselfishness and most concern about the University of Minnesota and also received the Butch Nash award in 1996 for competitiveness on the field and in the classroom.  Sauter earned his master's degree in sports management from the University of Minnesota in 2003.

Following his collegiate career, Sauter spent six seasons in the National Football League from 1998-2004.  He signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 1998 before spending time with the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts.  He appeared in one regular season game in his career, completing 6-of-9 passes for 59 yards in a 2002 game with the Chicago Bears.  He also played one season for the Barcelona Dragons in NFL Europe.

Cory and his wife, Amy, live in Marshall and have one daughter, Berlin.

SMSU will open spring practice on Monday, April 5.  The Mustangs will open the 2010 season on Thursday, Sept. 2, versus Northern State in a non-conference game at the Regional Event Center.