The University of South Dakota football program announced it has promoted defensive coordinator Travis Johansen to head coach after Bob Nielson stepped down to retire on Thursday. The 2024 season saw Johansen lead a defensive unit that ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense and top 20 in rushing defense.

Following a coaching change, programs may re-evaluate current expectations. However, one of Johansen’s first comments after being introduced as the program's 31st head coach is that the goal for the program is still the same as it would have been if Nielson hadn’t retired.

The 2024 season saw Johansen lead a unit that ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense and top 20 in rushing defense.

Travis Johansen discussed taking over as USD head football coach in a press conference held Friday, . Watch the replay on our website.

For the first time in almost a decade, the South Dakota Coyotes football program will not be led by Bob Nielson, who announced his retirement on Thursday afternoon. Nielson spent nine of his 32 years of head coaching experience with the Coyotes,

The University of South Dakota football program announced that head coach Bob Nielson is stepping down with plans to retire after coaching 32 seasons, including the last nine at USD. The school also announced that defensive coordinator Travis Johansen will take over as head coach.

Travis Johansen is the 31st head football coach of the University of South Dakota football team. He replaces Bob Nielson, who announced he was stepping down on Thursday.