Travis Dean joined the Oredigger staff in February 2020 as the offensive coordinator, running backs, and tight end coach.
Under Dean's leadership, the Oredigger offense has been one of the nation's top-scoring teams in the NAIA, putting up 34.9 points per game in 2022 and 31.6 points in 2023. Over those seasons, the Oredigger offense has been the nation's top-scoring team in the red zone. The Oredigger O has had the highest third-down conversion percentage in the country, they also led the country in yards per completion.
Dean's tenure has seen a pair of running backs earn All-Frontier Conference honors, cementing Montana Tech's reputation as "Running Back U". Blake Counts merited all-league accolades at the position three times, and Landers Smith did so once. Montana Tech has ranked among the nation's team rushing leaders under Dean's watch.
He started his coaching career as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Mark Samson at Havre High School in 2015. After his stint at Havre, Dean was the quarterbacks and running backs coach at Flathead High School under current Orediggers head coach Kyle Samson. The Braves boasted the top offense in Class AA and reached the state championship game in 2018. Dean coached Counts when he set the MHSA's single-season rushing record as a senior.
Dean played quarterback for Montana State University-Northern, leading an explosive offense that ranked near the top of the NAIA in total yards and completion percentage. As a prep star, he was part of back-to-back state championships at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz.
Dean and his wife, Tricia, have two children, a son, Bentley, and daughter, Tatum.
