Sep. 16 -- JAMESTOWN -- Amidst the University of Jamestown football team's 0-3 start to the season, head coach Brian Mistro announced on Monday, Sept.16 that he has let go of offensive coordinator Jason Challeen.

"I felt like it was the best thing to move our program forward for the future and for this season," Mistro said.

Challeen served as the team's offensive coordinator since 2015. He was in his second stint on the Jimmies staff after previously coaching from 2007-2009.

Mistro said he informed Challeen of his decision on Sunday, Sept. 15.

"These are things ... they're not easy to do especially when you care about a guy as a person to," Mistro said. "We talked, I told him, 'This is what I think I need to do.' He's a professional, he handled himself exactly how a professional does. He understood, there was no animosity, there wasn't anything that would have sparked an argument or anything like that. He handled it, it was pretty quick and we went our separate ways and that was how it went."

This season, the Jimmies' offense is averaging 229.3 yards per game and 7.3 points per game. Through three games, the Jimmies have 550 passing yards for one touchdown and six interceptions and 138 rushing yards with one touchdown.

"It's a culmination of a lot of things," Mistro said. "To be honest, it might've been the straw that broke the camel's back on Saturday. But ultimately I love coach Challeen and he's been in my life for a long time ... I keep going back to this even with the players, I feel like this was the best decision for our program and for our guys."

During a team meeting, Mistro said he told his team that he was making the move in the interest of the program as a whole.

Starting with the team's next game against Mayville State University on Sept. 21, Mistro said he will call the plays to the quarterback. Mistro said he is hoping his offense responds to having a different person leading the unit.

"I made this decision so it's my responsibility now to put us in a better spot to score points and win games. I'm gonna take that ownership and take that responsibility," Mistro said.

As a defensive-minded coach, Mistro said it will be an adjustment getting used to being the de-facto offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season.

"When adversity hits you in the face you gotta overcome," Mistro said. "So I'm excited to see how this goes. I'm never one to shy away from a challenge and I think this will be obviously a really big one so I think it'll be good."

Through the final seven games of the season, Mistro said he is hoping his offense shows off their fight.

"I want to see some passion and some fire and a lot more attitude going forward," Mistro said. "I think the guys understand that, by making a decision like this, it shows the kids that we're not messing around and we want what's best for them. We need something to help and I think this is gonna help us. I want to eliminate turnovers and I want to score points. ... It's a different vibe is really what it boils down to."

Mistro said he will speak with Athletic Director Austin Hieb about listing the job soon.