George Widman V pursues coaching career with North Dakota football

George Widman V, a 21-year-old student at the University of North Dakota, has opted to pursue a coaching career with the Fighting Hawks football program rather than joining his family’s long-standing candy business. Widman began his tenure with the team in 2023, initially working with the equipment staff before transitioning into a defensive assistant role. Under head coach Eric Schmidt, Widman currently manages the program's scout team and oversees team meetings. As the team prepares for its first road trip of the 2026 season to Portland, Widman is responsible for coordinating equipment operations and travel logistics. Schmidt noted that Widman has integrated into the program’s coaching structure and is eligible for a full-time position upon his graduation. Widman, a descendant of the family that established the Widman's Candy stores in Crookston and Grand Forks, has confirmed his intent to remain in collegiate coaching.

• 2:42 PMYahoo Sports — The candy business or football? Crookston's George Widman V chooses Fighting Hawks