September 26, 2025
Alex Fodness named interim head coach of Ferris State men’s basketball
Ferris State University has named Alex Fodness as interim head coach of the men’s basketball program following the resignation of Bobby Pietrack, who is returning to Colorado to be closer to family.
Pietrack announced his resignation on Friday, saying he intends to retire from coaching. He was hired by Ferris State in May after a successful tenure as head coach at Fort Lewis College, an NCAA Division II institution in Colorado, where he led the program from 2015 to 2024.
“I am currently working through a serious personal health issue. With my children in Colorado, I believe it’s important to be closer to them at this stage of both their lives and mine. My top priority is being with my family,” Pietrack said. “I will always love Ferris State and all the wonderful people here. This Ferris State family has meant so much to me, and I will carry it with me always.”
Ferris State Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank expressed full confidence in Fodness to lead the program. A national search will start after the season.
“Alex has a strong coaching background and has already proven himself as a valuable member of our staff,” Brockelbank said. “We’re confident in his ability to lead the team as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Fodness joined the Ferris State basketball staff in July after serving as the top assistant coach at Bemidji State University in Minnesota, another NCAA Division II program, for the past three seasons.
At Bemidji State, he was instrumental in player development, recruiting, and overall program operations. Under his guidance, several players earned all-conference recognition, including standout forward John Sutherland, who earned All-Central Region honors in 2023–2024 and became the program’s all-time leading rebounder and second-leading scorer.
Prior to his time at Bemidji State, Fodness served as head coach at Minnesota State Community and Technical College during the 2021–2022 season and held an assistant coaching role at Independence Community College in Kansas.
A South Dakota State University alumnus, Fodness earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2014 and a master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Studies in 2016.
Pietrack was hired in May to succeed longtime head coach Andy Bronkema, who accepted a position at Central Michigan University after leading the Bulldogs for 12 seasons.