New Leader for South Dakota Football in 2026

Matt Vitzthum will lead the South Dakota football program as head coach starting in 2026. His appointment comes after Travis Johansen announced his departure from the team. Johansen is reportedly being considered for a defensive coordinator position at Rutgers, though no official confirmation has been made regarding his next career move.

Johansen's tenure as head coach in 2025 was highly successful, guiding the Coyotes to the FCS quarterfinals in his first and only year at the helm. He previously served the team as defensive coordinator and associate head coach, contributing to a top-five defense in 2024. During his single season as head coach, Johansen achieved a 10-5 record.

Vitzthum has been an integral part of the South Dakota staff for the past two seasons. He served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2025 season, overseeing an offense that included two All-Americans, LJ Phillips Jr. and Larenzo Fenner. Prior to this, he coached wide receivers in 2024 under former head coach Bob Nielson.

Before joining the South Dakota program, Vitzthum spent over a decade at Grand Valley State, a Division II powerhouse. From 2013 to 2023, he held roles as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, contributing to the Lakers' success with five conference titles and seven playoff appearances.