Feb. 7—VERMILLION, S.D. — The University of South Dakota has opted for stability in its football program, promoting Matt Vitzthum to head coach following the departure of Travis Johansen.
USD Athletic Director Jon Schemmel announced Friday afternoon that Vitzthum will become the 32nd head coach in Coyote football history, as USD chose to stay in-house to fill the vacancy.
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Johansen departed Vermillion after one season as head coach and seven seasons overall on the Coyote staff to take the defensive coordinator position at Rutgers University, a Big Ten Conference program. His move created a sudden opening, and Schemmel moved quickly to elevate Vitzthum, noting familiarity with the program and proven success at multiple levels of college football.
Vitzthum completed his second season on the USD coaching staff in 2025 and most recently served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Helping with play-calling duties alongside offensive coordinator Tim Morrison, Vitzthum played a key role in guiding the Coyote offense this past season.
His impact was especially evident in the development of quarterback Aidan Bouman, who enjoyed another standout season under Vitzthum’s guidance. In 2025, Bouman threw for more than 2,000 yards for the third consecutive year and posted a career-best 26 touchdown passes, further cementing his place among the top quarterbacks in USD history.
Vitzthum originally joined the Coyotes ahead of the 2024 season as the wide receivers coach under former head coach Bob Nielson. In his first two seasons at South Dakota, the program reached at least the FCS quarterfinals both years.
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During his debut season on staff, USD advanced to the FCS semifinals for the first time in program history, marking a significant milestone for the program and reinforcing Vitzthum’s reputation as a coach capable of competing deep into the postseason.
Before arriving in Vermillion, Vitzthum built an impressive track record across multiple collegiate levels. He spent a decade at Grand Valley State University from 2013-23, one of the most successful programs in Division II football. Vitzthum began his tenure as quarterbacks coach before taking over as offensive coordinator for his final four seasons.
During that stretch, GVSU offenses consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10 statistically. The Lakers earned five Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and seven Division II playoff appearances with Vitzthum on staff.
His coaching journey also includes a successful stint at Wittenberg University in 2012, where he served as quarterbacks coach during a Division III conference championship and playoff berth. Prior to that, Vitzthum worked at St. Cloud State University from 2009-11 as a graduate assistant coaching the running backs and tight ends, contributing to another league title and playoff appearance. A Wartburg College graduate, Vitzthum began his coaching career as a student assistant before earning his degree in 2009.
