Coda Tchida

Coda Tchida was born in Glasgow, Montana, and moved to Havre, Montana, during his second-grade year. He graduated from Havre High School in 2005, where he was a key contributor to the Havre Blue Ponies’ 2004 State Championship football team under Head Coach Troy Purcell. During his senior season, Tchida earned First Team All-State honors as a wide receiver, cornerback, and return specialist. He was also selected to the 2004 Super State Team and participated in the Shrine Game, where he played cornerback and returned punts and kickoffs.

Following high school, Tchida signed to play football at the University of Mary, attending for one semester before transferring to Montana State University–Northern to play under Coach Mark
Samson. At MSU–Northern, he became a four-year starter and an All-Conference wide receiver. He was also a member of the 2006 team, the only team in program history to earn a playoff berth. During his collegiate career, Tchida set school records for yards per reception and longest touchdown reception. He was selected to play in the NAIA All-Star Game, where he scored the first touchdown of the game.

After graduating from college, Tchida began his career in education by student teaching at Bozeman High School under Coach Troy Purcell. He was then hired as a Physical Education teacher in Malad, Idaho, where he eventually became the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. During his four seasons leading the Dragons, his teams made two playoff appearances.

After five years in Idaho, Tchida returned to Montana and joined Great Falls High School as a Health Enhancement teacher and assistant football coach under Coach Mark Samson. Over six
seasons, he served as both the Defensive Backs Coach and Wide Receivers Coach. In 2022, he was named Head Football Coach. Now in his tenth year at Great Falls High School, Tchida
has led the Bison to four playoff appearances in his first four seasons as head coach.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Tchida has been selected twice to coach in the Shrine Game, once under Coach Levi Wesche and once under Coach Troy Purcell. He has dedicated 15 years to education, earning recognition as a Distinguished Educator twice and being named BNSF Teacher of the Year in 2024. He also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

Tchida credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his family. His wife, Karlee, and their children, Ella and Leo, play an essential role in his career, and he recognizes that his work would not be possible without the sacrifices they make. He values having them involved in the program, often present at practices and team events, where they are embraced by the players. This sense of connection and family reflects what it means to be part of the Bison program.

Outside of his professional career, Tchida enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and traveling. His favorite aspect of coaching is being part of the developmental process, watching
student-athletes grow daily in the weight room, on the field, and in the classroom, and witnessing the passion they bring to the Bison program.

One of his most memorable coaching moments was defeating Helena High in 2022 in Helena, a significant comeback victory that marked his first win as head coach at Great Falls High School.

His preferred pre-game song is “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, reflecting his competitive mindset and focus on preparation.