Patrick Munson, who has high school head coaching experience at Fort Benton and Deer Lodge, is the new head football coach at Bigfork High School.

Bigfork activities director Matt Porrovecchio made the announcement earlier this month. The Bigfork school board has approved the hire.

Munson replaces Todd Emslie, who resigned in December of 2018.

Emslie leaves behind a brilliant coaching career that covered 16 seasons, a record of 102 wins, 48 losses — and included a state championship in 2010.

Munson joined the Bigfork football staff in 2018 as an assistant coach after a six-year stay at Deer Lodge (four years as head coach, one as an assistant and one as a volunteer).

“It’s been a great year,” Munson said.

“It has been a lot of fun coaching with Todd. He’s a tremendous coach. I wish I could coach with him longer, but unfortunately he is getting to that stage of his life where he wants to do other things. He’s an extremely beloved member of the community.”

Longtime Bigfork assistant coach John Little has also retired after the 2018 season. He coached the offensive and defensive lines.

“A great human being,” Munson said of Little. “He would bend over backwards to help the kids.”

Munson will take over as the team’s offensive and defensive line coach, but is looking to hire a quarterback coach. Emslie held that position.

“Of course I’m excited,” Munson said.

“It’s good to be back in that position again (head coach). But more than anything, I’m really excited to do that with such a supportive school and community.

“For me, I’ve done the cycle (as an assistant coach and head coach). These kids are great kids to work with, there is a lot of tradition here, pride and lots of expectations. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Munson was a four-year, three-sport athlete at Wapato, Washington. He competed in football, basketball and baseball and was a member of a swim team in the summer.

He played college football at Pacific Lutheran University. He was a defensive end and long snapper.

He has a degree in physical education and health.

His first coaching job was at Fort Benton. He was an assistant his first year and a head coach for six. His teams advanced to the playoffs five times, advancing to the semifinals once.

His Deer Lodge teams were in the playoffs three times.

Munson teaches at Bigfork High School.

“Bigfork is lucky to have someone with the experience and skill of coach Munson ... ready and willing to step in,” Porrovecchio said.

“Beyond his coaching resume, he’s a good person, a great person.

“Having spent a year with Pat, I am confident he’s the man for the job,” Porrovecchio added.

“I’m excited to see where he takes the program.”