Bobby Daly has returned to Montana State University’s football program as defensive coordinator, according to an announcement from head coach Brent Vigen. Daly previously served on the Bobcat coaching staff from 2019 to 2024 before spending a season at UTEP as defensive coordinator and Bandits coach.
During his five years at Montana State, Daly coached four All-America linebackers and six first team all-league selections. At UTEP, he mentored one player who earned All-Conference USA honors.
Daly, who is from Helena Capital, began his tenure with the Bobcats as linebackers coach in 2019 after six seasons at Idaho. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2022 and became defensive coordinator in 2024. Under his guidance, Montana State’s defense improved its national ranking in scoring defense from 23rd in the FCS during his first year to 11th when he took over defensive play-calling duties in 2024. The team finished sixth nationally in that category in 2021.
Notable players coached by Daly include Christian Elliss of Idaho, now with the New England Patriots, and Troy Andersen of Montana State, currently with the Atlanta Falcons. Callahan O’Reilly (2022) and McCade O’Reilly (2024) achieved All-America status under Daly’s leadership, while Josh Hill and Amandre Williams were named First Team All-Big Sky. Kaden Elliss of Idaho also received all-league recognition.
As a player for Montana State, Daly was recognized as one of the program’s top linebackers. He earned First Team All-Big Sky and First Team All-America honors as a junior in 2007 and received Honorable Mention All-America and Second Team All-Big Sky recognition as a senior in 2008. His career total of 382 tackles ranks fourth in school history. Daly played professionally for the Billings Outlaws of the Indoor Football League from 2009 to 2011.
Daly started his coaching career at Idaho as a graduate assistant in 2013 before becoming Director of Football Operations in 2015 and linebackers coach in 2017. He was part of the staff when Idaho won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl that year. After returning to Montana State in 2019, he contributed to several successful seasons including appearances in the FCS playoffs each year, reaching the championship game twice (2021 and 2024), and advancing to the semifinals twice (2019 and 2022).
Daly comes from a family with strong ties to Montana State football; like his father J. and brother Brad, he served as team captain for the Bobcats. Both Bobby and Brad Daly are members of the Bobcat Athletics Hall of Fame.
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