Kyle McMartin stepped onto the Bemidji football field this spring with a mix of excitement and nerves, aware that he carries two hats in the community: head coach of the Lumberjacks and assistant principal at Bemidji Middle School. He spoke openly about the dual responsibility, noting that the school environment has given him a deeper appreciation for the students he will now guide on the gridiron.
Building on Existing Strengths
Rather than overhauling the program, McMartin stressed the importance of teamwork and retaining the current staff. He described his approach as incremental, saying he plans to get to know the juniors and seniors better before making any sweeping changes. "We’ll take things one step at a time," he explained, "so we don’t miss any important details."
A New Offensive Mindset
To inject fresh energy into the offense, McMartin brought on Mitch Hendricks as the new offensive coordinator. Hendricks will introduce a triple‑option scheme while also emphasizing a more aggressive passing attack. McMartin clarified that these adjustments are meant to complement, not replace, the existing playbook, aiming to expand the team’s tactical toolbox without discarding what already works.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener
The Lumberjacks are set to begin the 2026 season on September 3, when they travel to face Elk River. The matchup marks the first test of the new offensive concepts and the continued collaboration between coach and coordinator. Community members and players alike are eager to see how the blended leadership will translate into on‑field performance.