Fresh off of its first national championship win, the SDSU Jackrabbits welcomed new head coach Jimmy Rogers for the 2023 season. As successor to the legendary John Stiegelmeier, Rogers faced the challenging task of maintaining the Jackrabbits’ winning tradition while also forging his own identity as the head coach.
Rogers brings a blend of experience and familiarity to the team. Having played for SDSU and served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator under Stiegelmeier, he possesses an intimate understanding of the program’s culture, values and traditions. This continuity has allowed for a seamless transition while instilling confidence in the players, their coaches and fans.
One of Rogers’ primary objectives is to uphold the team’s strong sense of community. He recognizes that close-knit bonds among players and with the coaching staff are an integral part of the program’s success. To achieve this, he emphasizes teamwork, resilience and discipline as core principles of the program.
While preserving the program’s established identity, Rogers aims to keep the team competitive and head of the curve in the ever-evolving world of college football. His commitment to adaptability and new emerging strategies and techniques is evident in his coaching philosophy and the results show on the field.
Acknowledging how it feels to step into Stiegelmeier’s shoes. Rogers did so with humility and a deep sense of respect. He views the opportunity not as a burden, but as a dream come true for he and his family. He intends to continue the legacy of Stiegelmeier’s contributions and successes to the program and the community by maintaining the same level of dedication and commitment.
*This story has been written in collaboration with South Dakota State University‘s Public Relations class for our 2024 Visitor Guide. Read the guide here.*
