Minnesota State, Mankato Apologizes To Hoffner

The university made the statement Tuesday after Hoffner announced he w

uld return to his old job. Last week, an arbitrator found Hoffner was wrongly fired and should be immediately reinstated.

The university said the ordeal has been difficult for everyone involved.

The statement says: "We extend our apologies to Mr. Hoffner and deeply regret the difficulties he and his family have experienced ..."

The university says it hopes that all parties can find ways to move forward for the sake of the Hoffner family, student athletes, the university and the community.

Hoffner plans to return to Minnesota State, Mankato on Wednesday.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Minot State says the school is disappointed that football coach Todd Hoffner is returning to his old job in Minnesota.

Hoffner said Tuesday he will return to his coaching job at Minnesota State, Mankato after an arbitrator ruled he was wrongfully terminated.

Hoffner was hired in January as head coach at Minot State, and says he will be "forever grateful" to the North Dakota school.

Minot State athletic director Rick Hedberg said in a statement that the school wished Hoffner the best and hoped there was closure for him and his family. Hedberg says the school will move forward quickly to find a replacement.

Minnesota State fired Hoffner last May after he had been accused — then cleared — of having pornographic images of his children on a work-issued cellphone.