Tim Beck announces resignation

Pittsburg State University announced Monday, Nov. 18, that head football coach Tim Beck has resigned from his position.   

“On behalf of everyone at Pittsburg State University, I want to thank Coach Beck for his tremendous service to his alma mater,” said PSU athletic director Jim Johnson. “We are grateful for everything Tim has done to help further the tradition and legacy of Pitt State football. We wish he and his family nothing but the best moving forward.” 

The 2019 season marked the 33rd year on the Gorillas staff where he served 16 years as the Gorillas’ offensive coordinator and 23 seasons as an assistant coach before becoming PSU’s 14th head football coach on Dec. 9, 2009.  In the 33 years on the staff, Beck helped the program post a 314-85-2 (.701) overall record during his 1987-2019 tenure. Accolades include; two national championships, 14 conference championships and 20 national playoff appearances.  

In his 10th season and final season as head coach of the Gorillas, Beck finished the regular season 6-5 overall after defeating Missouri Southern 65-6 in the season finale at Carnie Smith Stadium on Brandenburg Field, Nov. 16. Beck accumulated an 82-35 (.701) overall record in his ten seasons serving as head coach.  

A notable team from Beck’s time as coordinator came in 2004 when the Gorillas broke an 118-year-old scoring record, scoring 837 points (55.8 ppg). The team also set the NCAA all-division records for rushing yards (5,320) and total offensive yards (8,976).  

“As a player and as a young coach, I never wanted to let him down,” said Neal Philpot, former quarterback.  “Not out of fear of losing my position or job, but because of the amount of respect I had for him. He treats players the right way, he treats people the right way. I was sad to hear about his resignation. I think the positive impact Coach Beck has had for the university and the community has been like none other. For a guy to impact 33 years of stability and growth, in a positive way as he did is unparalleled.”  

One other notable team came in year two as head coach when Beck led his alma matter (PSU, ’88) to the 2011 NCAA Division-II National Championship where PSU claimed a 35-21 victory over Wayne State University. The championship title was the school’s fourth title overall. That same year, Beck earned the National Coach of the Year honors from Liberty Mutual, the Don Hansen Football Committee and FieldTurf as well as MIAA Coach of the Year that season.  

“It was my experience as a player to find Coach Beck most interested in educating his players,” said Zac Dickey, former quarterback (2011). “The subject may have been football, but the lessons were centered on topics that transitioned with an athlete beyond the field. The man is an absolute badass; I mean, just look at his credentials. He is a true strategist. Should he continue to desire to coach, some school will greatly benefit by having him…  I am terribly saddened to see him leave. I think that it should be our expectation of ourselves, as fans, to honor the legacy that he built. We should also expect PSU to find someone who will likewise honor Beck’s legacy, not excluding the rich, family-based culture that has made the PSU Football Program so unique and historically notable.” 

Many other of Beck’s former players commented on Beck’s career including 2009-2012 defensive end Gus Toca and 2008-2011 linebacker Luke Stringer.  

“Throughout your football career, coaches have a great impact on how you develop as a player and as a person. He is no different,” Toca said. “He took an 18-year-old kid and helped turn me into a man. Any problems or issues (football-related or not) he would be there as a support system. I’ve had a great relationship with him from day one up to now. I feel like I could call him and ask him for anything.”  

Athletic Director Jim Johnson indicated the university will launch a national search to fill Beck’s position.