Check out this week’s video blog as Jeff goes off-road with South Dakota State University Football Coach Emeritus, John Stiegelmeier, who led the Jackrabbits to their first FCS Championship in his final season of 2022. Learn about the rigors of a seven-day-per-week job on and off season, recruiting, the portal, leadership, goal-setting, game plans, and more. Enjoy!
John “Coach Stig” Stiegelmeier is the winningest coach in South Dakota State University football history, amassing a 199–112 record over 26 seasons. He transformed the Jackrabbits into a consistent FCS powerhouse, leading them to 12 NCAA playoff appearances, numerous conference honors, and never suffering a losing record in Missouri Valley Football Conference play. His crowning achievement came in his final season, 2022, when he guided SDSU to its first national championship, going 14–1, securing the top seed in postseason play, and winning each playoff game decisively. In recognition of that season, he earned multiple coaching awards, including the Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS coach). After retiring at the peak of his career, he now serves in an emeritus and exceptional assistant capacity with the SDSU athletics department.
Jeff met with John to discuss his experience as a head coach at South Dakota State University. View the video to hear the full chat: