Best college football coach in history from each state

TUSCALOOSA, AL - CIRCA 1958-1982: Paul Bryant, head coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team observes the play during a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Alabama) (Photo by University of Alabama/Collegiate Images/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA , MO – AUGUST 30: Quarterback Zach Lujan #16 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits looks to pass against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

South Dakota: John Stiegelmeier

South Dakota State still has some work to do to match its rivals in Fargo, but Stiegelmeier has at least helped the program become a consistent playoff threat.

A native of rural Selby, Stiegelmeier attended South Dakota State and got his first coaching experience early on as a student assistant in 1979. Stiegelmeier bounced around different levels for nearly a decade, including receiving his first head coaching gig with NAIA Northern State, before returning to his Alma Mater as a defensive backs coach in 1988.

After a six-year stint as the Jackrabbits’ defensive coordinator, Stiegelmeier was promoted to replace head coach Mike Daly for the 1997 season. The struggling program improved to 8-3 by Stiegelmeier’s third season, and he’s successfully overseen moves to the Great West and Missouri Valley Conferences during his 20-year tenure.

In 2009, the Jackrabbits qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1979 at any level with a mark of 8-4 and second place finish in the conference. South Dakota State is currently enjoying a run of five consecutive playoff appearances under Stiegelmeier and has advanced to at least the second round four different times.

With an all-time record of 137-94, Stiegelmeier is already the most successful coach in South Dakota State history, and his team is poised to keep the playoff run going in the coming years. In-state rival South Dakota is even newer to the FCS level and is still trying to find some stability, easily giving Stiegelmeier the top spot in The Mount Rushmore State.

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