Travis Johansen has left his position as head football coach at the University of South Dakota after one season, according to an announcement by Athletic Director Jon Schemmel. Matt Vitzthum has been named as the 32nd head coach of the Coyote football program.
Vitzthum joined South Dakota ahead of the 2024 season under former head coach Bob Nielson, initially serving as wide receivers coach. He was later promoted to Co-Offensive Coordinator and quarterbacks coach. During his two seasons with the Coyotes, the team reached at least the quarterfinals in both years. In his first year on staff, South Dakota made its first-ever appearance in the FCS Playoff semifinals. The following season, in 2025, they returned to the quarterfinals.
Athletic Director Jon Schemmel said, “I am thrilled to have Matt be the next leader of our Coyote football program. He is a proven leader, a player’s coach, and has been a critical part of our growth and success the last couple of years!”
As quarterbacks coach in 2025, Vitzthum worked closely with Aidan Bouman, who became one of the top quarterbacks in school history by throwing for over 2,000 yards for a third consecutive season and achieving a career-best 26 touchdown passes. Vitzthum also contributed to playcalling duties that led to strong performances from running back L.J. Phillips Jr., who had what was described as the best year for a Coyote back during their Division I FCS era and earned First Team All-American honors. Wide receiver Larenzo Fenner was also recognized as a Second Team All-American.
In his initial season at South Dakota, Vitzthum coached Quaron Adams to an MVFC All-Newcomer selection; Adams led the conference with an average of 30.2 yards per catch. He also worked with Carter Bell during Bell’s final collegiate season; Bell finished as South Dakota’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
Before joining South Dakota’s staff, Vitzthum spent eleven seasons at Grand Valley State University (Michigan), starting as quarterbacks coach in 2013 before becoming Offensive Coordinator for his last four years there. Under his guidance, Grand Valley State won five Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and made seven appearances in the Division II Playoffs.
Vitzthum’s coaching experience also includes time at Wittenberg University (Ohio) in 2012—where he served as quarterbacks coach on a league-title-winning team that made an NCAA Division III playoff appearance—and three seasons at St. Cloud State (Minnesota) from 2009-2011 as graduate assistant/running backs and tight ends coach on another league champion squad.
He began his coaching career while still an undergraduate student assistant at Wartburg College, where he graduated in 2009.
Vitzthum is married to Alyssa; they have two children: Hayden and Emery.
