Sustained success is a significant challenge in a rapidly changing world. Changes in leadership present a notable obstacle to sustained success. The North Dakota State Bison football program is the most successful Football Championship Subdivision football program in history. Over the last twelve years, the team has won nine out of a possible twelve national championships. This was achieved with the leadership of three separate head coaches. Factors that contributed to the unprecedented success of North Dakota State were the focus of this study. A case study was used to examine the football program through the lens of Complexity Leadership Theory. Interviews with the Athletics Director and Head Coach were combined with Focus Groups involving assistant coaches and players to discern key factors of the Bison’s success. Identity, values, and the community of Fargo, North Dakota guided the Bison in establishing a unified culture. Expectations placed on the program combined with the recruiting philosophy created the opportunity for movement and growth in a complex environment. Finally, empowered player leadership and the establishment of clear processes within the program created conditions to support sustained success.
Keywords: Success, Leadership, Culture, Values, Educational Leadership, Coaching, Football, Coaching Leadership
