PUEBLO, Colo. - The Southern Colorado sports community is mourning the loss of Mike Friedman, the charismatic architect who transformed the University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University Pueblo) football program into a regional powerhouse during a storied decade at the helm.

Friedman, who directed the Indians from 1974 through 1983, compiled an impressive 60–38–2 overall record and a 39–26–1 mark in the rugged Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Beyond the numbers, however, his legacy is defined by a cultural revolution that put USC football on the national map.

Building a Winner in Pueblo

After serving as an assistant under legendary coach Forrest Perkins at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the 33-year old Friedman replaced Joe Prater as head coach on March 2, 1974, when the school was known as Southern Colorado State College, and brought an unmatched, high-energy, statewide recruiting focus to a young program. He immediately established a culture of grit, ambition, and community pride.

That vision culminated in two of the most celebrated milestones in school history:

• The 1980 Breakthrough: Friedman led the Indians to their first-ever RMAC football title, finishing with a stellar 9–1 overall record (7–1 RMAC).

• National Recognition: In 1982, he guided the squad to a 9–2 campaign and the program's first-ever NAIA national playoff berth, advancing to the NAIA Division I Quarterfinals.

A Coaching Tree of Leaders and Legends

Friedman's impact extended far beyond the white lines of the gridiron. He mentored generations of student-athletes who left their mark both on and off the field. Among his standout players were All-Americans Bill Gower, John Trahan, and Jeff England.

His influence also shaped the university's future coaching staff and athletic leadership. Friedman coached former longtime CSU Pueblo head coach John Wristen, as well as standout players Mick McCall, Scott Gallas, Mark DeRose, and Dan DeRose, the latter of whom remains the program's all-time leading tackler.

"Coach Friedman was a special man in my life. He gave me a great opportunity. I can never ever repay him for that opportunity," said CSU Pueblo Athletics Development and External Relations Officer John Wristen. "He touched a lot a people's live. I've always wanted to say thank you and rest in peace."

Friedman's eye for elite talent was further underscored in 1984, when former running back Herman Heard was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs—a testament to the caliber of player Friedman attracted to Pueblo.

A Lasting Hall of Fame Legacy

In recognition of his monumental contributions, Friedman was deservedly inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023. Though the stadium scoreboard has long since gone quiet on his tenure, Mike Friedman's spirit lives on in every champion, coach, and alumnus who wore the scarlet and white.

Friedman's Facts

A 1962 graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Eau Clare, Friedman started his coaching career at Greenwood, Wis. In 1966, he became the head coach at Watertown High in Wisconsin and had a 34-16-1 record with five winning seasons.

Friedman joined the staff at St. Norbert's College in West DePere (near Green Bay) in 1968 before moving over to Whitewater, where he was the chief football assistant for the Warhawks. In the summers, he ran football camps in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Married to the former Mary Anne Stuart, the Friedmans had four children: Jannette, Steven, Julie, and Jodi.

Funeral arrangements and memorial details are pending.