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 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.

The USD football team has a new head coach in Travis Johansen, who was formally introduced Friday afternoon. It took less than 24 hours from the announcement of Bob Nielson’s retirement to introducing Johansen — the former defensive coordinator — as the 31st coach in program history.

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 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.

University of South Dakota football fans went through all the emotions after head coach Bob Nielson announced he’d retire on Thursday. On Friday, AD Jon Schemmel introduced Defensive Coordinator Travis Johansen as his successor.

USD is set to formally introduce Travis Johansen as their 31st head coach in their football program’s history on Friday. The introductory press conference is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. You can watch the event in the video player at the top of this story.