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The Latest: Bison promote defensive coordinator to top job

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The Latest on North Dakota State's replacement for coach Chris Klieman (all times local):

5:45 p.m.

North Dakota State has promoted defensive coordinator Matt Entz to head coach.

Entz in his fifth season with the Bison as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. His units have consistently ranked among in FCS. This season the Bison rank first in red zone defense, second in scoring defense and fourth in total defense.

Entz will replace Chris Klieman, who earlier this week was named coach at Kansas State. Klieman will coach the team through the FCS playoffs, which continue Friday night with a semifinal game against South Dakota State.

North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen says he likes Entz's leadership, integrity, toughness and appreciation for the tradition of Bison football. The school is seeking its seventh FCS title in eight years.

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1:30 p.m.

North Dakota State officials are moving quickly to find a new football coach and say the replacement for Kansas State-bound Chris Klieman will likely have ties to the program.

Athletic director Matt Larsen says he hopes to name a coach by national signing day on Wednesday. He declined to name candidates. But those who fit that job description include current defensive coordinator Matt Entz, current offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham, Wyoming offensive coordinator Brent Vigen and Iowa offensive line coach Tim Polasek.

Vigen, a North Dakota native, and Polasek both worked under Wyoming coach Craig Bohl when Bohl was at North Dakota State.

Five of the last six head football coaches have earned national championships. The only one who didn't came from outside the program.

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