SIOUX FALLS – Jed Stugart, who has directed the University of Sioux Falls Football Program to seven straight winning seasons and most recently to the school's first-ever NSIC crown and second straight NCAA DII playoff appearance, has resigned to accept a position with Lindenwood (Mo.) University, a member of the MIAA.

"We are sad to see Jed (Stugart) go. He has dedicated himself to USF and to our student-athletes for the past seven years and done so with character, professionalism, integrity and strong faith," said USF Director of Athletics Josh Snyder of Stugart, who ranks third all-time on USF's career wins list and second in winning percentage (65-17, .793). "We wish Jed and Angie, along with Gracie and Gunner, all the best as they move forward from USF and Sioux Falls."

President Mark Benedetto, who had a lead role in bringing Stugart to campus seven years ago, also provided well wishes to Stugart.

"I wish Jed and his family all the best.  In a multitude of ways, his performance as our University's head football coach exceeded my expectations," Benedetto said.  "Our football team's undefeated record during the regular season and our first NSIC Football Championship, represent monumental achievements. The unprecedented success that our football program experienced throughout the transition from NAIA to NCAA will forever be a part of Jed Stugart's legacy at USF. He is one of the best coaches in America and we were fortunate to have him as long as we did," said Benedetto.

According to Snyder, Stugart has established a talented staff and developed a unique bond with student-athletes at USF.

"As we move forward, we do so with the realization that Jed Stugart has been a leader on this campus and a mentor for our student-athletes. He is a good man who will continue to do great things. We thank him for all his contributions," said Snyder.

With Stugart's resignation, the USF Athletics Department will immediately begin the process to select a new coach, which will be the 21st in school history.

"We have a plan in place and will move swiftly in selecting our new coach," said Snyder. "Our goal is to hire a head coach, who will be a good fit for the winning program here. We want a coach, who values and will be a mentor of our student-athletes and dedicated to carrying on our mission of academic success, and meeting the culture of service. Our focus is to make resources available to enable this program to continue to succeed at a high level," said Snyder.

A Greeley, Colo., native, Stugart arrived in Sioux Falls in 2010, promptly directing the Cougars to the NAIA championship game in a 13-1 season. In 2011, he began steering USF through transition from NAIA to NCAA DII. In 2012, the Cougars began play in the NSIC and had a 9-2 record. After a 6-5 record in 2013, USF has gone 32-5 in the past three seasons, including a DII-best 12-1 mark in 2016 when the Cougars won its first NSIC Championship, finished the regular season unbeaten, won its first playoff game and hosted two straight DII playoff games.

"Words will not be able to express the last seven years I've had at USF," said Stugart, whose team has earned national rankings in 35 consecutive polls and has received three straight postseason berths, including twice in the NCAA DII playoffs.  "Without a doubt, I have coached the most incredible young men that have impacted my life in ways they will never comprehend. As God's plan now sends my family and me in a new direction in our lives, it is evident he brought us to Sioux Falls for more reasons that I would ever be able to share. I'm humbled by the support of the USF family these past seven years and will cherish the friendships for a lifetime," added Stugart.

This season, USF was ranked #4 eight straight weeks (AFCA Coaches, D2Fooball.com polls) and sits third in rushing offense (308.1) and seventh in total offense (511.3 ypg) in NCAA DII. A program-best 24 student-athletes were named to the all-league team with 29 on the NSIC All-Academic squad. Three student-athletes were named All-Region while Max Mickey was a candidate for the Harlon Hill Award, Antonio Green, a two time Gene Upshaw Award nominee and finalist in 2016 and Michael Mehling, Cliff Harris Award nominee.

Overall, he finished 65-17 (793) at USF and stands 91-24 (.791) in his career.  Four times in five seasons, his teams have won nine or more games as he has led USF to a 52-16 record in DII, including 45-10 in the NSIC.

During his tenure, 73 Cougars have earned NSIC All-League recognition, along with eight All-Americans, three Academic All-Americans, 13 all-region honorees and 119 Academic All-NSIC honorees.  

Prior to USF, Stugart coached at UNLV, and Northern Colorado and was head coach at MidAmerica Nazarene, compiling a mark of 26-7. He played linebacker at Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications in 1994 from APU and a master's degree in communications from UNC in 2003.
 
 
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