South Dakota has hired former athlete and graduate assistant Josh Manchigiah as the program’s next safeties coach, head coach Travis Johansen announced Thursday afternoon.
“Coach Manchigiah has been a vital part of our success over the years. As a former Yote: player and coach, we’re incredibly excited to bring Josh, his wife, Chloe, and daughter, Violet, back to Vermillion,” commented Johansen. “Josh not only has incredible football acumen, but he understands our culture and what we value as Coyotes. We will continue to see the sound, physical brand of safety play we’ve come to expect at USD.”
He returns to Vermillion after spending the 2024 season as a Defensive Graduate Student Coach at the University of Iowa, where he assisted with the Hawkeye secondary. Working with Iowa Defensive Coordinator Phil Parker, the Hawkeyes went 8-5 (6-3 B1G) last season with an appearance in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl.
Manchigiah started his coaching career at South Dakota as the director of quality control at South Dakota in 2023, following his collegiate career that spanned seven seasons.
“I’m fired up to be back with South Dakota football! I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to coach where I was once a player,” said Manchigiah. “I have a great amount of confidence and respect for Coach Johansen and can’t wait to get back to work with this staff. I am passionate about Coyote football and look forward to continuing to build upon this foundation! Go Yotes!”
Finishing his college career at South Dakota in 2022, Manchigiah competed in seven of the 11 games with four starts at safety. He posted a season-high five tackles and had a 38-yard interception return against his former team in South Dakota State. On the season, he tallied 13 tackles and was credited with three pass break-ups.
Manchigiah started his college career at South Dakota State, playing in 53 games in three seasons for the Jacks. He totaled 159 tackles, a sack, and seven interceptions with 16 pass deflections. He posted 53 tackles in both 2018 and 2019.
A native of Papillion, Nebraska, prepping at Papillion-La Vista South High School. He and his wife, Chloe, have a daughter, Violet.
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