Ash was hired at Montana State on June 11, 2007, replacing former coach Mike Kramer. Ash previously spent 18 seasons as the head football coach of the Drake University Bulldogs. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Through the 2011 regular season, Ash's career FCS record is 150–68–1. In 31 years as a head coach, Ash's overall record is 226–121–5. His 226 victories rank in the Top 20 for active college football coaches. His Division III coaching record is 75–51–4.