South Dakota State University football coach John Stiegelmeier has decided to go out on top.
The coach affectionately known as "Stig" is retiring weeks after leading the Jackrabbits to their first-ever FCS National Championship.
Stiegelmeier became head coach of the Jacks in 1997 after serving as an assistant coach for the team for several years. In his 26 years as head coach, he led the team to 199 victories and 12 postseason appearances.
Steigelemeier guided the team as the school transitioned to Division 1 in 2008. His final season will likely be remembered as his crowning achievement, when he led the team to a 14-1 record ending in a victory over rival North Dakota State University in the FBS National Championship on Jan. 8.
Current SDSU defensive coordinator Jimmy Rogers has been named the team's next head coach, according to Athletic Direcor Justin Sell.
After a 26-year run leading the football program at his alma mater, including 199 victories, 12 postseason appearances & a National Championship, John Stiegelmeier is hanging up his whistle & retiring. ๐ Thank you, Coach Stig.
— #GoJacks ๐ฐ (@GoJacksSDSU) January 19, 2023
๐ฐ ยป https://t.co/chEAdqP9o5#GoJacks ๐ฐ pic.twitter.com/ocIvD9jDor