A Legacy of Vermilion and White: The History of University of South Dakota Football
The South Dakota Coyotes, proudly representing the University of South Dakota (USD), boast a rich and storied football history. Known for their colors, vermilion and white, the Coyotes have evolved from a charter member of the North Central Conference to a competitor in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This article will delve into the program's origins, conference affiliations, rivalries, facilities, and notable players.
From Humble Beginnings to the North Central Conference
South Dakota first fielded a football team in 1889, marking the genesis of a program with a long and evolving tradition. In 1922, the Coyotes became one of the charter members of the North Central Conference (NCC), solidifying their place in regional college football. For the next 86 years, the NCC served as their primary conference affiliation, a period marked by both success and challenges.
During their tenure in the NCC, the Coyotes clinched 10 conference titles, showcasing their competitive spirit and gridiron prowess. They also qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs four times, demonstrating their ability to contend on a national stage. The pinnacle of their Division II years came in 1986 when they reached the national championship game, ultimately falling to the North Dakota State Bison by a score of 27-7.
Transition to Division I FCS and the Missouri Valley Football Conference
In 2008, the Coyotes embarked on a new chapter, transitioning to the NCAA Division I FCS level. Initially, they joined the Great West Conference, a transitional conference for programs moving up to the FCS level. This move signaled the university's ambition to compete at a higher level of college football.
The Coyotes found a more permanent home in 2012 when they entered the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). The MVFC is known as one of the toughest conferences in FCS football, with perennial national contenders. The initial years in the Valley proved challenging, as the team faced stiff competition from established programs.
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The Bob Nielson Era and FCS Playoff Appearances
Under the leadership of former head coach Bob Nielson, the Coyotes experienced a resurgence, marking a significant turning point in the program's history. Nielson's tenure saw the team reach the FCS playoffs four times from 2017 to 2024, a testament to the program's growth and competitiveness. These playoff appearances injected new excitement into the program and energized the fanbase.
Rivalries: Jackrabbits and Fighting Hawks
Rivalries are an integral part of college football, and the Coyotes have two significant rivalries that have shaped their program's identity.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
The Coyotes' main rivals are the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The yearly game between the two universities is a celebrated event for both schools. The series has been played yearly except for a pause between 2003 and 2012, when the Jackrabbits moved their athletic programs from Division II to Division I in 2004. In 2012, the rivalry resumed after the Coyotes joined the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The intensity of this rivalry is fueled by geographic proximity and the shared desire to be the premier football program in the state.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Historically, the Coyotes also shared a rivalry with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, with the first meeting dating back to 1903. The Fighting Hawks currently hold the all-time series lead at 64-34-5. Although the rivalry has cooled somewhat in recent years due to conference realignment, the history between the two programs remains a significant part of South Dakota football lore.
Facilities: DakotaDome and Inman Field
The facilities where a football team plays are more than just venues; they are integral to the program's identity and fan experience. The Coyotes have called two main locations home throughout their history.
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DakotaDome
The Coyotes have played in the DakotaDome since it opened in 1979. The multi-purpose facility has been home to several Coyote sports teams over its history; alongside football, the DakotaDome formerly hosted Coyote basketball, volleyball, and swimming & diving. The DakotaDome has a seating capacity of 9,100 spectators. The DakotaDome has been renovated several times over the building's lifespan, most recently from 2019 to 2021 in a $26 million project that rebuilt the west side of the Dome.
Inman Field
Before the DakotaDome, the Coyotes played on-campus at Inman Field from 1924 to 1978. Inman Field holds a special place in the memories of many Coyote fans, representing a bygone era of college football.
Coaches and NFL Draft Picks
The Coyotes have had 27 head coaches throughout the program's history. It is not known who coached the team between 1889-1900. Bert H. Arthur H. John W. Vincent E. Stanley G. Eighteen former Coyotes have been selected in the NFL draft. No. No. No.
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