By Kary Patron/News Editor

After 22 years, a 145-96 record, five Heart of American Atheltic Conference Championships, eight NAIA FCS appearances, and 13 All-American athletes, Paul Troth steps down as the Missouri Valley Football head coach.

“It was a very very difficult decision,” Troth said. “Every Coach, you kinda you don’t look forward to that time, but just looking at my family situation and just the overall picture. It wasn’t any one thing, but just felt this was a good time to step away. I’ve got some challenges that need to be met with a little more time. Extremely difficult decision because Missouri Valley’s been so great to me and my family. It has been a tremendous experience.”

While Troth is stepping down as Football coach, he is staying at Missouri Valley in a different position that will be announced at a later time.

Troth leaves Missouri Valley with a 145-96 record for his career at Valley and an overall record of 187-114. Throughout his time as coach, Troth has earned the honors of Heart Coach of the Year (2006, 2012, 2014) and AFCA Region Coach of the Year (2006, 2007, 2012) three times each.

“There’s no way it would’ve happened without some tremendously talented assistant coaches,” Troth said. “And some players that really bought into what we were doing and then worked their tails off.”

Troth coached 13 NAIA-AFCA All-Americans during his time as coach. Two of his athletes have received Player of the Year selections and seven received Heart Defensive Player of the Year selections.

“Anybody that coaches knows it it’s it’s all-consuming,” Troth said. “It kind of is who you are at your core. All the coaches that have made this step before you know it’s not an easy step.”

Over the years, Troth has coached 92 student-athletes on the Heart All-Conference First Team and 43 NAIA Scholar-Athlete honorees.

“We’ve had a lot of a lot of players that were very decorated while here,” Troth said. “All-Conference and all-American type thing. and guys that were just a tremendous impact on our team. They’re just great football players and great people, 

Troth leaves football coaching with the support of this family.

“Coaching professionally is very very hard on a spouse and she’s been unbelievably supportive. We have great kids and there’s just so much that goes into it but we’re looking forward to this next chapter and see where it takes us.”