Minnesota West names interim head coaches for men's soccer, football

Minnesota West Community & Technical College has announced the appointment of Blake Tucker as interim head football coach and Daniel Bernstrom as interim head men’s soccer coach.

Tucker enters his first season as interim head football coach after serving the past two seasons as Minnesota West’s offensive coordinator and running backs coach. During his tenure, Tucker led one of the most explosive offenses in the country, guiding the Bluejays to back-to-back No. 1 national rankings in NJCAA Division III offense.

Tucker brings six years of coaching experience and a strong offensive background to his new role, providing continuity and momentum for the program.

“Blake has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear vision for our football program,” Minnesota West Dean of Student Development Abdull Farah Abdigaani said in a press release. “The success he has produced offensively speaks for itself, and we are confident in his ability to build on that foundation while continuing to develop our student-athletes both on and off the field.”

A former collegiate player, Tucker began his career at Monmouth College (Ill.) before finishing at Belhaven University (Miss.), where he played four seasons. He earned a bachelor of science in sports administration with a concentration in business and marketing from Belhaven in 2019.

As he takes over the Bluejays football program, Tucker is focused on continuing its success while emphasizing the development of student-athletes both on and off the field.

Bernstrom, a Minnesota West English instructor and established children’s book author, has been a key member of the Bluejays’ coaching staff since the program’s early years and now steps into a leadership role.

Minnesota West men’s soccer was established as a sanctioned sport in 2021 under head coach Jordan Balster. The program has seen steady growth, highlighted by a successful 2025 season that included an MCAC title, a 5-6-2 overall record, a 3-1-2 conference mark, and a No. 1 seed in the Region 13 Tournament.

A former high school soccer player in Iowa, Bernstrom has played a vital role in the program’s day-to-day operations and student-athlete support. Known for his ability to connect with players, he provides guidance both academically and personally, helping meet needs ranging from coursework to everyday challenges.

“Dan has been an invaluable part of our soccer program since its inception,” Interim Athletic Director Bob Purcell said in a press release. “His ability to connect with students and manage the many day-to-day responsibilities of the program makes him a natural fit to step into this role.”

Dean of Student Development Abdull Farah Abdigaani emphasized Bernstrom’s impact beyond athletics.

“Dan embodies what it means to support the whole student,” the dean said. “Whether in the classroom or on the field, he is deeply committed to helping students succeed, and that makes him an outstanding leader for our soccer program."