SDSU’s legendary Stiegelmeier retires on the top
6:02 PM ET Pete ThamelESPN South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier, one of the most accomplished coaches in FCS football, announced his retirement on Thursday. Stiegelmeier will leave on top, as South Dakota State won the school’s first-ever nationwide title in Stiegelmeier’s 26th and final season as head coach.He’ll be replaced as head coach by protective organizer Jimmy Rogers, who will be introduced at a news conference Friday.Stiegelmeier, 65, ends up as the AFCA nationwide coach of the year and having actually led South Dakota State to the FCS playoffs in 11 consecutive seasons. He completes his career with a 199-112 record, topping
his career with a 14-1 season and 14-game wins streak. Stiegelmeier began his profession as a student assistant there in 1979 and then returned as an assistant coach in 1988 and ultimately took control of as head coach in December of 1996.”Laurie and I, with our family, want to thank South Dakota State University and SDSU Athletics for being blessed to act as the head football coach, “Stiegelmeier stated, referring to his other half.”Throughout our 26 years in this role,
a lifetime of memories have occurred. The assistance of many, consisting of 3 university presidents, numerous assistant coaches, many student-athletes, two athletic directors and the Jackrabbit fan base has actually been so unique. Thank you to each and each who have thought in us. “The hiring of Rogers, 35, signifies connection in the program, which thumped North Dakota State, 45-21, in the FCS Championship Game previously this month. Rogers will be charged with updating the program to keep it atop the FCS, as the Jackrabbits have beaten North Dakota State in four consecutive games.Rogers is a South Dakota State graduate, former star player there and got promoted to assistant head coach after the 2019 season. He bet Stiegelmeier, began his career as a graduate assistant there and worked his method up to defensive coordinator through numerous staff positions.
With Rogers being promoted, it will help keep in place a lineup and personnel in Brookings, S.D., that’s expected to be the heavy favorite in FCS next season. South Dakota State anticipates to return 18 beginners from the juggernaut 2022 title team.Rogers’defense showed a linchpin of the title group this year, as South Dakota State ended up in the Top 3 in the FCS in overall defense, scoring defense and rushing defense. South Dakota State stymied Iowa’s offense in the opener this year, as the Hawkeyes won 7-3 after scoring one field goal and two securities. That showed to be the only loss of the season for South Dakota State.Among the 18 returning starters for Rogers’very first season consist of sophomore quarterback Mark Gronowski, the Most Exceptional Gamer in the title game, and star junior tailback Isaiah Davis(1,478 lawns, 15 touchdowns). Star junior linebacker Adam Bock, who ended up with 76 tackles and 7.5 TFLs, will lead an experience defense. Guard Mason McCormick is a returning first-team FCS All-American on the AFCA’s 2022 team.Stiegelmeier will leave a vast legacy at the school, topped by the nationwide title this season. “Put simply, South Dakota State University is a better location due to the fact that of John and Laurie Stiegelmeier, “athletic director Justin Sell said.” Their effect goes far beyond wins and losses or championships because of the household culture they have actually fostered throughout their time here, and by developing a program based upon character, effort and quality in all locations. “