Legendary Menominee Coach Ken Hofer.

Longtime Menominee Maroons Coach Ken Hofer announced his retirement on Monday.

He won 320 games over more than four decades coaching at both Stephenson and Menominee, using the old single wing offense.

Hofer, 77, won three state championship games in Menominee (1998, 2006, 2007), and he was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. His l0ngtime assistant, Satch Englund, is also calling it quits after serving as Hofer's defensive coordinator for 36 years.

Menominee Schools Superintendent Erik Bergh says that Hofer will be missed, and not just along the sidelines of the famed Blesch Memorial Football Field.

 
"More importantly, Menominee High School students and the greater Menominee community have been the beneficiares of his work with young people," Bergh wrote in a press release on Monday. "He has helped to shape the adult lives of hundreds of young people through the years. His impact has been felt for generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire students into the future."

Hofer made this comment to the Marinette/Menominee Eagle-Herald newspaper:

"Coaching is in my blood, but the body isn't cooperating," Hofer told the newspaper. "I've had my turn and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I had the opportunity to coach fine young men and some young ladies, too, and it was all to my benefit."

CLICK  HERE to read the full coverage from the Eagle-Herald newspaper.

Besides coaching football, Hofer worked as a teacher, athletic director, and principal in the Menominee School system since coming to the district in the early 1960's.

Hofer's resignation after 41 years in charge of Maroon football comes just months after Escanaba football coach Dan Flynn retired after 26 years as head coach, and 40 years of total service to the Eskymo program.