Aleckson said that the players would rally to help Schoenebeck win a conference championship, which has eluded the Gusties in the last 14 seasons.

“We’re motivated to try our best to bring home a championship for him, for the team and for the college,” Aleckson said.

Molde said he will begin the search for the next football coach, which he hopes he can complete by early December to allow the new coach an opportunity to recruit.

“I have a short list, but I’ll be doing a lot of research over the next two months,” Molde said. “We want to find the best coach possible.”

Schoenebeck said he will continue to teach through the spring semester, but his football duties will end when the season ends. He’s going to take some time off before he makes any decisions on his future.

“I feel like there’s something out there that I can be successful at and passionate about,” he said.