The Colorado School of Mines football program lost a pair of leaders Wednesday.
First, it was announced that Marv Kay, the longtime leading figure who helped turn the Orediggers into a Division II power, died at the age of 84. Hours later, they lost Brandon Moore, the 2022 AFCA Division II Coach of the Year, as he resigned and accepted an offer at FCS’ University of San Diego. Moore led Mines for one season.
“Thank you Colorado School of Mines,” Moore said in a statement. “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. 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.”
Peter Sterbick has been named as interim head coach for the Orediggers. He first arrived in Golden as the offensive coordinator in 2019 and was a key reason why Mines’ offense became one of the nation’s most electric. In a statement, he assured Oredigger fans that the goal following Mines’ historic run to the 2022 NCAA Division II national title game has not changed.
“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 in a statement. “Our goal doesn’t change: we will keep pushing for a national title.”
Moore, who helped Mines reach its first Division II national title game last fall, will depart after seven years in Golden. He was defensive coordinator for six years before succeeding Gregg Brandon as head coach in 2022.
Moore led Mines to a 13-3 record in his lone season as head coach, with the Orediggers leading the nation in sacks per game, turnovers forced, fumbles recovered, scoring offense, red zone offense, first downs and team passing efficiency. Numerous players received end-of-year accolades, including 2022 Harlon Hill winner John Matocha, and a trio of All-Americans in Matt Armendariz, Mason Pierce and Max McCleod.
The Orediggers will be looking for their third head coach in three seasons after Brandon retired following the 2021 campaign. Brandon helped lead the program to its first national semifinal appearance and 59-15 record over six seasons.
Mines had 33 seniors last year (five of whom were graduate-year level), but of the 26 redshirt seniors and two true seniors from last year’s NCAA title game appearance, all but one have eligibility to return to Marv Kay Stadium for one last go around, if they so choose.
Moore played for seven seasons in the NFL and won the 2001 national title at Oklahoma.
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