Bob Nielson to Serve as 2025 Dakota Days Parade Grand Marshal
Originally from Marion, Iowa, Nielson received his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1982. He began his career as an offensive line coach at his alma mater before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1987.
Over the course of his 32-season career, Nielson served as head coach at a number of institutions — including Ripon College, Wartburg College, Western Illinois University, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Minnesota Duluth. Nielson joined USD as head football coach ahead of the 2016 season.
Nielson’s career is a storied one, being a two-time NCAA Division II national champion, three-time national coach of the year and three-time MVFC Coach of the Year. His leadership also extended beyond any one team; Nielson chaired the NCAA football rules committee from 2015 to 2017, and prior to the 2024 season, he was named to the FCS Oversight Committee.
He posted a 53-48 record leading the South Dakota football program, which sits him fourth all-time in program history. Nielson led the Coyotes to all four of their FCS Playoff appearances, and he cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished coaches in program history in his final years at USD when he led the Coyotes to the quarterfinals in 2023 and the semifinals in 2024. In 2024, USD earned their first-ever MVFC title after a 7-1 campaign and a win over then No. 1-ranked North Dakota State to conclude the regular season.
Under Nielson’s leadership, 14 teams achieved national playoff appearances. He had 239 wins at the time of his retirement, which ranked him 42nd all-time amongst college football coaches across all levels. On top of his two national titles at the Division II level, Nielson won a total of nine conference titles in his career, picking up titles at all three NCAA Divisions.
“During his time at USD, Bob was an outstanding leader for our football program, with an unwavering commitment to our student-athletes and the university community,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “The Coyotes reached new heights under his leadership, and his legacy is still felt in the excellence of our team and in the ways our student-athletes strive to be their best. We are proud to honor him as this year’s Dakota Days Parade grand marshal.”
For more information about Dakota Days, visit usd.edu/DDays.
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