VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) -- USD announced Thursday that nine year head coach Bob Nielson would be retiring from their football program. Nielson informed USD last year that he wasn't sure how many more seasons he had before hanging up the whistle. "If you ever get to a point where you think you might be able to step away, that needs to tell you that it's time," an emotional Nielson said. USD introduces Travis Johansen as new head coach Bob Nielson has been USD's head coach for the past nine seasons, reaching the FCS Playoffs four times. That includes 2024 where the Coyotes went 11-3, reached their first ever FCS Semifinals and Nielson won his 50th game. Despite that success, Bob is opting to retire for many reasons, though part of it relates to today's college football landscape. "Open up anything today about college football and the first two things that people talk about are NIL and transfer portal. To me, that's wrong," Nielson said. "College football has been about relationships and development." "Not only has he built a championship program, but he's done so the right way, regardless of everything that's going on," USD Athletic Director Jon Schemmel said. "We're not out there buying kids." Nielson says he will miss a lot, including the game itself, but the thing he'll miss the most are the people. "The relationships with the young men you get to work with, the relationships with staff. Those are the things you get into this profession to do," Nielson said. Bob isn't sure what the future holds for him and his family. One things for sure, he won't be on a coaches' schedule. "I've got a chance to give some time back… and that will be a priority," Nielson said. Nielson leaves USD after posting a 53-48 record. His first head coaching job was when he was 29 and he's spent 32 years as a head coach.