Ex-Minnesota State-Mankato Coach Returning To Job

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minnesota State, Mankato, football coach Todd Hoffner says he'll return to his old job after an arbitrator ruled he was wrongly fired.

Hoffner said Tuesday that returning "will help heal that injury." He'd since taken a job at Minot State and says he'll be "forever grateful" to that school.

He'll resume his duties Wednesday in Mankato.

Hoffner was fired last May for undisclosed reasons after he'd been accused, then cleared, of having pornographic images of his children on a work-issued cellphone.

An arbitrator's ruling outlined some reasons for the firing, including that Hoffner viewed porn on his work computer. But the arbitrator found no proof and no grounds for termination.

The arbitrator ordered that Hoffner be immediately reinstated with back pay.

Minnesota State-Mankato reaction:

Minnesota State, Mankato is apologizing to wrongly fired coach Todd Hoffner, and says it is welcoming him back as head football coach.

The university made the statement Tuesday after Hoffner announced he would return to his old job. Last week, an arbitrator found Hoffner was wrongly fired and should be immediately reinstated.

The university said the ordeal has been difficult for everyone involved.

The statement says: "We extend our apologies to Mr. Hoffner and deeply regret the difficulties he and his family have experienced ..."

The university says it hopes that all parties can find ways to move forward for the sake of the Hoffner family, student athletes, the university and the community.

Minot State reaction:

Minot State says the school is disappointed that football coach Todd Hoffner is returning to his old job in Minnesota.

Hoffner was hired in January as head coach at Minot State, and says he will be "forever grateful" to the North Dakota school.

Minot State athletic director Rick Hedberg said in a statement that the school wished Hoffner the best and hoped there was closure for him and his family. Hedberg says the school will move forward quickly to find a replacement.