Article courtesy of Eric Peterson - Fargo Forum

MOORHEAD, Minn. (7/8/10) -- It appears Tyler Roehl’s pro football dreams are over, but the former North Dakota State standout isn’t leaving the sport.

Roehl has accepted a job at Concordia College to be running backs coach. Roehl will also be offensive coordinator for the junior varsity team.

“It’s time to move on I think and just start a different chapter,” Roehl said.

“I wanted it to be a few years down the road, but now is a great time more than ever. I’ve got a great opportunity.”

Roehl participated at the Minnesota Vikings rookie mini-camp, which ended in early May, trying to earn a spot on the team’s roster.

Roehl was attempting to return from a knee injury that prematurely ended his rookie NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks last summer.

The knee hasn’t bounced back as well as Roehl had hoped after surgery. Roehl said the chances are “slim” that he makes another try at a pro career.

Roehl estimates his knee is about 75 percent healthy right now.

“It was a hard decision to make. It’s real frustrating that my knee wasn’t to the point where it needed to be to play at that level,” Roehl said. “I don’t know how the knee will feel say next year at this time or in the spring, but I want to be able to walk and run around and play softball and golf when I’m 45.”

Concordia head coach Terry Horan is excited that the former Bison running back is joining his staff.

Horan said NDSU head coach Craig Bohl highly recommended Roehl as a potential assistant coach.

“His name recognition already, us getting him on board is huge,” Horan said. “He’s passionate about the game and he has a good head on his shoulders. It’s a big addition to our staff, an already great staff he’s going to add to it.”

Roehl has a non-teaching physical education degree from NDSU and would like to do his student teaching while at Concordia. Roehl said starting on a Master’s in sports administration or exercise science could be another option.

Roehl is the second new addition to the Cobbers coaching staff since last season. Former Concordia player Josh Vickerman was added as defensive backs coach in the spring.

A former West Fargo High School standout who helped the Packers to two North Dakota Class 3A state titles, Roehl rushed for 2,512 yards in his NDSU career with 35 touchdowns.

Roehl said he is at peace with his decision to start coaching.

“I’m not mad or regretting anything with my football career,” Roehl said. “I felt like I went as far as I could. I had a great opportunity. Injuries happen in football and you can’t look back at anything and have any regrets, and I don’t.”