Rutgers is on the brink of a game-changing hire for their defensive coordinator position, and it’s a move that could reshape the team’s future. But here’s where it gets controversial: sources reveal that University of South Dakota head coach Travis Johansen has emerged as the frontrunner for the role. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is reportedly eager to finalize the decision by Monday, but is Johansen the right fit? Let’s dive in.
Johansen, widely recognized as a defensive mastermind, stepped into the head coaching role at South Dakota after the 2024 season and immediately made waves. In his debut season, he led the Coyotes to a remarkable 10-5 record in the MVFC, including a 6-2 conference mark. But this isn’t his first rodeo—Johansen has been the defensive coordinator at USD since 2019, where he’s built a reputation for developing top-tier talent.
And this is the part most people miss: Johansen’s coaching has sent 16 defensive players to the NFL, either through the draft, camp invites, or undrafted free agent signings. Notably, in the 2024 NFL Draft, defensive back Myles Harden was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round. Johansen’s track record is impressive, but will it translate to success at Rutgers?
Before South Dakota, Johansen spent six seasons at Grand View University (Iowa) in the NAIA, where his defenses were nothing short of dominant. The Vikings amassed a 61-11 record, claimed five Heart of America Athletic Conference championships, and secured the 2013 NAIA national title with an undefeated 14-0 season. Under his leadership, Grand View consistently ranked in the NAIA top-15, including four top-10 finishes. But here’s the question: Can he replicate this success at the FCS level?
At South Dakota, Johansen’s impact on the defense has been nothing short of transformative. The 2023 season was historic, with the Coyotes finishing No. 4 in the FCS rankings, achieving their first-ever 10-win season in the DI FCS era, and reaching the FCS Playoffs quarterfinal round for the first time. The defense was a powerhouse, ranking No. 8 in scoring defense (17.7 ppg), No. 18 in passing defense (180.8 ypg), and No. 25 in total defense (323.3 ypg). Is this the kind of turnaround Rutgers desperately needs?
The 2021 season was another breakout year for Johansen’s defense, as South Dakota made its first-ever MVFC Championship game appearance and hosted its first FCS Playoff game. The Coyotes finished 7-5, with the defense ranking in the top-25 in sacks per game (2.75), scoring defense (20.7 ppg), and rushing defense (120.9 ypg). Even in his first season at USD in 2019, Johansen’s unit showed promise, holding three consecutive opponents to 16 points or fewer—a feat not achieved since 2008. His defense also secured a pivotal 24-21 victory over fifth-ranked South Dakota State by stopping three fourth-quarter drives.
Johansen’s accolades include being a Heart of America Assistant Coach of the Year finalist twice and a national coordinator of the year finalist in 2015. He even caught the attention of Sports Illustrated in 2018 for his innovative defensive strategies. But the real question is: Can he bring Rutgers’ defense back to prominence?
While Johansen’s resume is undeniably impressive, the transition to Rutgers won’t be without challenges. The Scarlet Knights have struggled defensively in recent years, and expectations will be high. Do you think Johansen is the right man for the job, or is Rutgers taking a risky bet? Let us know in the comments—this hire could be the turning point for Rutgers football, but only time will tell.
