Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Latest:
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
FeaturedFootballSports

Football’s Jersild out at Chadron State

Devin Fulton

Defensive Coordinator Craig Jersild resigned from Chadron State’s football team Monday, Oct. 12, The Eagle has learned according to multiple sources who spoke only on condition of anonymity.

Following an altercation during an Oct. 6 practice between Jersild and senior wide receiver Cole Thurness, 22, of Rapid City, South Dakota, Jersild and Thurness were suspended for the Eagles’ 10-7 loss against Colorado Mesa Oct. 10.

According to multiple sources the altercation began with Thurness throwing punches at an Eagle defensive back who hit a receiver during the team’s contactless tag-off drill. The scrum between the two players led to Jersild punching Thurness’s helmet, putting the player in a headlock and removing his helmet before the team deescalated the situation.

Chadron State College’s Human Resources confirmed Tuesday that Jersild is no longer employed at CSC.

Wednesday morning Chadron State Athletic Director Joel Smith again declined to comment on Jersild’s departure, citing personnel reasons.

The Eagle has attempted to reach Jersild for comment but has been unable to contact the former coach.  

Thurness returned to play following his one game suspension and had 175 yards, one touchdown through the air and one rushing touchdown during the team’s 41-25 win over South Dakota School of Mines, Saturday, Oct. 17 at Elliott Field.

Two weeks after his suspension, the Thurness family was once again in the news when they dedicated the Thurness Family Nutrition Center in the Armstrong Building Oct. 19.

Eagles Head Coach Jay Long has declined to comment on the altercation, but addressed Jersild’s departure.

“I thank Coach Jersild for his service to the Chadron State football program and wish him luck with his future plans,” Long said in an email to The Eagle.

Prior to serving as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2019, Jersild spent eight seasons as the special teams and recruiting coordinator starting in 2010.

Jersild, often referred to as “Coach Jersey” began his first stint with CSC in 1992 as a graduate assistant when he coached the team’s defensive backs until 1995.