VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) -- USD head football coach Bob Nielson will step down, with plans to retire after coaching 32 seasons of college football. 2 dead after drowning in Walworth County The university made the announcement via a press release on Thursday afternoon. Moments after, USD also announced the promotion of Travis Johansen from defensive coordinator to head coach. A formal introductory press conference will be held on Friday, January 17 for Johansen. KELOLAND Sports will livestream the event on KELOLAND.com at 12:30 p.m. Nielson coached the last nine seasons at USD and led the Coyotes to an 11-3 season, their most successful year in Coyote history. The Coyotes won their first Missouri River Valley Football Conference title and reached the semifinals of the FCS playoffs. “Coaching football is all I have known for the past 42 years and while coaching has been a true blessing it has also been all-encompassing,” Nielson said in a news release. “This decision will allow me to focus on other priorities in my life and while I will deeply miss walking that sideline in the Dome, I look forward to the opportunities ahead.” Director of Athletics Jon Schemmel said Johansen has excelled at every step in his career.  “I am confident Travis is ready to lead this program. Internal succession planning was at the top of my list when I arrived here and between my own experiences and interactions with Coach Nielson, it quickly became apparent Travis was that person and is ready to lead Coyote Football," Schemmel said in a news release. According to government records, Nielson had a salary of $352,000 at USD.