MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY OF MANKATO HEAD FOOTBALL COACH LANDS IN JAIL ACCUSED OF CHILD PORN

According to Paul Walsh of the Minneapolis Start Tribune, “The head football coach at Minnesota State University Mankato was jailed Tuesday afternoon and accused of being involved in child pornography, and a temporary replacement is running the team.

Todd Hoffner, 46, of Eagle Lake, was arrested at his home pending a court appearance and being held on suspicion of "use of minors in a sexual performance" and possessing child pornography, according to the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office said it received information Monday about Hoffner allegedly possessing pornography. His home was searched Tuesday, and the coach was then taken into custody.

According to the university, Hoffner has been on leave from his coaching position since Friday.

In a statement released Tuesday night university spokesman Dan Benson said, "The University's top priority is 

ensuring the safety and well-being of its students, program participants, and the community. The University is not aware of any allegations affecting university students or program participants."

A university investigation against Hoffner is pending, Benson said.

The Mankato Free Press is reporting that Hoffner was escorted from the practice field Friday.

Assistant Coach Aaron Keen has taken over the Division II team in Hoffner's absence.

"The whole situation comes as a shock and is still a shock," Keen said.

The players have now gone through two days of workouts without Hoffner, and "the guys have responded really well," said Keen, who was the team's offensive coordinator last season.

The players and coaches were scheduled to meet Tuesday night to "share information and to be there with them," Keen added.

Todd Hoffner was entering his fifth year as the field general of the Mavericks, compiling a record of 34-13. 

Over the past four seasons, he has led Minnesota State to the playoffs (2008 and 2009), a Mineral Water Bowl Championship (2011), three Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference South Division Titles (2008, 2009 and 2011) and a share of the NSIC title (2011).

Hoffner is married and has three children. The Star Tribune attempted to call Hoffner's house, but the line was disconnected.”