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.

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,