Photo by: ©Tommy Martino/University of Montnaa 2026
New coach, new energy as Griz enter second week of spring
3/9/2026 4:32:00 PM | Football
A little over a month into the Bobby Kennedy era as the University of Montana's head football coach and now one week into the spring practice season, it's so far, so good for the new Grizzly mentor as he settles into the role.
Montana hit the practice field to start week two of spring ball on Monday and Kennedy has hit the ground running as the 38th head coach in program history.
Fans have likely noticed the upbeat energy he's brought to the recruiting game with handmade graphics for social media – personalized content designed to appeal to future Grizzlies. But what most fans haven't seen is the upbeat practices and weightlifting sessions he's led the current Grizzlies through as UM begins its quest for a 20th Big Sky title in 2026.
The first three Griz spring practices have been high energy affairs, with iron sharpening iron on both sides of the ball as Kennedy takes the reigns of the program accompanied by five more new additions to the coaching staff since January.
With a new face at the helm, a new defensive coordinator leading a new-look defense, and 24 offseason additions to the roster via the transfer portal, Grizzly practices have had the same trademark Montana toughness with an added intensity as veterans and newcomers alike look to make a good first impression and learn the Montana way.
"I'm really pleased with the first week. The guys have shown great energy, they've bounced around and competed hard against one another," said Kennedy after Friday's practice.
"The great thing about this group is they want to learn. They're sponges of football knowledge. They want to be pushed, and it's our job as coaches to keep pushing them. What can they handle? How do we challenge them to do the little things right, to exercise their technique right? So, we've got to keep pushing as coaches and they need to keep soaking it up as players. That's how I feel after week one."
Gallery: (3-2-2026) FB: First Spring Practice 3.2.26
While everything remains a competition and is constantly evaluated, if you're not having fun doing it, what's the point? For Kennedy, who, after 30-plus years as an offensive position coach now takes the reins of a program for the first time, fun has been a central theme over the last month. As UM's receivers coach last season, he's made a point of being a player's coach for every position on the field.
"I'm having a blast because I'm not just with one group. I get to walk around and see the linebackers, see the safeties, see the D-line do their drills, in addition to the offense. It's been really good. I'm enjoying myself and enjoying watching our coaches with the guys. They're really doing a good job. They're pushing guys and teaching the technique. It's been a blast," said Kennedy.
So, what has stood out during that time walking around practice and taking in each position group?
It's no secret that Montana returns some of the biggest names in the FCS this season. Ah Yat, Gillman, Wing, Tuliaupupu and more are just some of the household names expended to once again put the Griz in position to win a championship.
But it all starts up front for Montana if any of them are to be successful again this season. With five of last year's six starting offensive linemen lost to graduation as well as all three starters on the D-line, the spring season is the perfect opportunity for a new crop of big men up front to earn a starting job.
"I'm really pleased with the progress of the offensive line. They're a young group but I see improvement already. I've watched them in drills and in team periods and I see them doing some really good things. Their footwork has been great," added Kennedy.
"The same can be said for the defensive line. They're learning a new system, but you see guys starting to pick up on the techniques. I can't wait until their minds are totally unlocked and they can just react and play fast. I'm really encouraged by the first week and I think they'll keep making big strides."
With coordinator Brent Pease – who engineered one of the greatest offenses in program history in 2025 – back calling plays in 2026, the Grizzly attack returns a wealth of options. But spring is a time for new faces to make their mark, and Kennedy has been pleased with what he's seen so far.
"Luke Flowers has really grown at quarterback from last year. He's had a great spring so far, and guys like Korbin Hendrix and Jordan Dever at receiver have done a really good job as well," added Kennedy.
Fans and casual SportsCenter viewers alike will remember Hendrix from last season when he hauled in an #SCTop10 one-handed touchdown grab against Sacred Heart in one of the highlights of the season.
Spring also gives experienced players the chance to morph into the leaders of tomorrow both on the field and in the locker room, and with 9 starters lost on that side of the ball, now is the time for those leaders to emerge.
"Guys like Solomon Tuliaupupu, Tanner Huff, and Peyton Wing have stood up and become leaders on our defense, which has been great, and I'm really encouraged by our safeties so far too," added Kennedy.
UM's safety room may be quietly one of the deepest on the defense this season, with Huff back in the mix and Phillipsburg native Kade Cutler leading a group of new faces that include Jeilani Davis (a Utah transfer last season), NAIA All-America Braeden Orlandi, rangy Arizona State transfer Adama Fall, and the Beaner brothers – freshman standouts from a year ago.
With 24 transfers brought in and one week of practice under their belts to assimilate to the program, early returns point to the evaluation process in recruiting them being a success.
"I'm really encouraged by the new guys. They're still learning and progressing as a group, but you can see that we've added some size and some speed at different positions, so really fired up for the new guys that have come in," added Kennedy.
UP NEXT: Montana continues with spring practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week before taking a week off for spring break at UM. The Griz then return to campus for three weeks of spring ball, capped by the annual spring scrimmage on Friday, April 10. Tickets to the Spring Game are on sale now and can be purchased at GrizTix.com.
Montana hit the practice field to start week two of spring ball on Monday and Kennedy has hit the ground running as the 38th head coach in program history.
Fans have likely noticed the upbeat energy he's brought to the recruiting game with handmade graphics for social media – personalized content designed to appeal to future Grizzlies. But what most fans haven't seen is the upbeat practices and weightlifting sessions he's led the current Grizzlies through as UM begins its quest for a 20th Big Sky title in 2026.
The first three Griz spring practices have been high energy affairs, with iron sharpening iron on both sides of the ball as Kennedy takes the reigns of the program accompanied by five more new additions to the coaching staff since January.
With a new face at the helm, a new defensive coordinator leading a new-look defense, and 24 offseason additions to the roster via the transfer portal, Grizzly practices have had the same trademark Montana toughness with an added intensity as veterans and newcomers alike look to make a good first impression and learn the Montana way.
"I'm really pleased with the first week. The guys have shown great energy, they've bounced around and competed hard against one another," said Kennedy after Friday's practice.
"The great thing about this group is they want to learn. They're sponges of football knowledge. They want to be pushed, and it's our job as coaches to keep pushing them. What can they handle? How do we challenge them to do the little things right, to exercise their technique right? So, we've got to keep pushing as coaches and they need to keep soaking it up as players. That's how I feel after week one."
While everything remains a competition and is constantly evaluated, if you're not having fun doing it, what's the point? For Kennedy, who, after 30-plus years as an offensive position coach now takes the reins of a program for the first time, fun has been a central theme over the last month. As UM's receivers coach last season, he's made a point of being a player's coach for every position on the field.
"I'm having a blast because I'm not just with one group. I get to walk around and see the linebackers, see the safeties, see the D-line do their drills, in addition to the offense. It's been really good. I'm enjoying myself and enjoying watching our coaches with the guys. They're really doing a good job. They're pushing guys and teaching the technique. It's been a blast," said Kennedy.
So, what has stood out during that time walking around practice and taking in each position group?
It's no secret that Montana returns some of the biggest names in the FCS this season. Ah Yat, Gillman, Wing, Tuliaupupu and more are just some of the household names expended to once again put the Griz in position to win a championship.
But it all starts up front for Montana if any of them are to be successful again this season. With five of last year's six starting offensive linemen lost to graduation as well as all three starters on the D-line, the spring season is the perfect opportunity for a new crop of big men up front to earn a starting job.
"I'm really pleased with the progress of the offensive line. They're a young group but I see improvement already. I've watched them in drills and in team periods and I see them doing some really good things. Their footwork has been great," added Kennedy.
"The same can be said for the defensive line. They're learning a new system, but you see guys starting to pick up on the techniques. I can't wait until their minds are totally unlocked and they can just react and play fast. I'm really encouraged by the first week and I think they'll keep making big strides."
With coordinator Brent Pease – who engineered one of the greatest offenses in program history in 2025 – back calling plays in 2026, the Grizzly attack returns a wealth of options. But spring is a time for new faces to make their mark, and Kennedy has been pleased with what he's seen so far.
"Luke Flowers has really grown at quarterback from last year. He's had a great spring so far, and guys like Korbin Hendrix and Jordan Dever at receiver have done a really good job as well," added Kennedy.
Fans and casual SportsCenter viewers alike will remember Hendrix from last season when he hauled in an #SCTop10 one-handed touchdown grab against Sacred Heart in one of the highlights of the season.
Spring also gives experienced players the chance to morph into the leaders of tomorrow both on the field and in the locker room, and with 9 starters lost on that side of the ball, now is the time for those leaders to emerge.
"Guys like Solomon Tuliaupupu, Tanner Huff, and Peyton Wing have stood up and become leaders on our defense, which has been great, and I'm really encouraged by our safeties so far too," added Kennedy.
UM's safety room may be quietly one of the deepest on the defense this season, with Huff back in the mix and Phillipsburg native Kade Cutler leading a group of new faces that include Jeilani Davis (a Utah transfer last season), NAIA All-America Braeden Orlandi, rangy Arizona State transfer Adama Fall, and the Beaner brothers – freshman standouts from a year ago.
With 24 transfers brought in and one week of practice under their belts to assimilate to the program, early returns point to the evaluation process in recruiting them being a success.
"I'm really encouraged by the new guys. They're still learning and progressing as a group, but you can see that we've added some size and some speed at different positions, so really fired up for the new guys that have come in," added Kennedy.
UP NEXT: Montana continues with spring practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week before taking a week off for spring break at UM. The Griz then return to campus for three weeks of spring ball, capped by the annual spring scrimmage on Friday, April 10. Tickets to the Spring Game are on sale now and can be purchased at GrizTix.com.
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