by 
John Stiegelmeier, former coach of the State of South Dakota football program, announced his retirement Thursday, less than two weeks after handing the Jackrabbits their first FCS national championship.
Stiegelmeier, 65, will retire as the winningest coach in program history with a record of 199–112 (.640 winning percentage). He led South Dakota State to 12 postseason appearances, including 11 in a row, and claimed four Missouri Valley Conference titles during his 26 years in charge.
“Laurie and I, with our family, want to thank South Dakota State University and SDSU Athletics for having the blessing of serving as head football coach,” Stiegelmeier said in a statement Thursday. “During our 26 years in this role, lifelong memories have been produced. The support from so many, including three college presidents, numerous assistant coaches, countless student-athletes, two athletic directors, and the Jackrabbit fan base, has been very special. Thank you to each and every one of those who have believed in us.”
Stiegelmeier began his coaching career as a student assistant at South Dakota State in 1979. He left the program for the next eight years, serving as an assistant coach at both the college and high school levels, before returning to the Jackrabbits in 1988. Eventually, he took over as the school’s head coach in ’97.
Jimmy Rogers, who served as South Dakota State’s defensive coordinator last season, will replace Stiegelmeier as the Jackrabbits’ next head coach. A former star player for the program who spent the past 10 years on the coaching staff, Rogers led a defensive unit that ranked third in FCS in scoring defense (15.8 points per game) last season.
Rogers will be tasked with carrying on the Stiegelmeier tradition of winning after South Dakota State defeated rival North Dakota State in the FCS national championship, 45-21.
“Simply put, South Dakota State University is a better place because of John and Laurie Stiegelmeier,” said South Dakota State Director of Athletics Justin Sell. “Their impact goes far beyond wins and losses or championships for the family culture they have fostered throughout their time here and for building a program based on character, hard work and excellence in all areas.”
Sell added: “Jimmy Rogers upholds those same values and I am excited to see him move into the next phase of his coaching career. His vision and his plan for the future will allow us to continue to compete for national championships.”
