In a significant development for the University of South Dakota (USD), Heath Parling, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in college football, has been appointed as the quarterbacks coach for the South Dakota Coyotes under the stewardship of head coach Matt Vitzthum. Coach Vitzthum, who took over the reins in February 2026, is committed to revitalizing the Coyotes’ football program, a revered institution in South Dakota known for its fierce competitiveness and commitment to excellence.
Parling joins the Coyotes after a successful stint at Upper Iowa University where he served as the offensive coordinator. At Upper Iowa, Parling orchestrated an impressive transformation, propelling the Peacocks to new heights with significant improvements in their offensive performance. Under his guidance, Upper Iowa recorded a notable 7-4 record in 2024 and an even more impressive 9-3 record in 2025. These achievements underscore Parling’s capacity to drive excellence and foster a winning culture in college football.
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Matt Vitzthum spoke highly of Parling, stating: “We are excited to have Heath join our coaching staff. He has been successful at almost all levels of college football as a position coach and coordinator. There has been a strong tradition of great quarterback play in this program and Heath will help continue that tradition. We are excited to welcome the Parling family to USD!”
South Dakota is a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. The state’s vibrant community takes great pride in supporting local sports teams, particularly the South Dakota Coyotes, who are not just a collegiate football team but a symbol of state pride. The team’s resurgence under Coach Vitzthum is a point of communal interest, with high hopes pinned on Parling’s strategic acumen to bolster the team’s offensive prowess.
Parling’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his diverse coaching experiences spanning over nine years. Beginning his career at Marian University (Ind.), he was part of the coaching staff that led the team to an NAIA national title in 2015. His trajectory also includes roles as an offensive graduate assistant at Miami University (Ohio) and Colorado State, where he honed his coaching capabilities with renowned programs.
Reflecting on his appointment, Parling expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m honored and excited to be joining the South Dakota football program. I want to thank Coach Vitzthum, Coach Morrison, and the USD athletic administration for this opportunity. I am excited to get to work with our players!” His commitment resonates with South Dakota’s unwavering dedication to fostering talent and achieving sporting excellence.
Under Parling’s leadership at Upper Iowa, standout players like Mante Morrow and Eddie Burgess emerged, receiving First Team All-Conference selections. Notably, Burgess was also named an AFCA Second Team All-American in 2025, reinforcing Parling’s reputation as a coach who cultivates top-tier talent.
Aside from his professional achievements, Parling’s academic credentials include a history degree from Grand Valley State University, where he was a standout quarterback, amassing over 10,000 passing yards. His laurels include a finalist position for the Division II Quarterback of the Year in 2011. Furthermore, he holds master’s degrees in sport management from Miami University (Ohio) and Colorado State University.
South Dakota is a state invigorated by its strong community values, with sports playing a pivotal role in uniting people across diverse backgrounds. As South Dakota embraces Coach Parling, it anticipates a buoyant future for the Coyotes, driven by the convergence of seasoned leadership and untapped potential.
The South Dakota Coyotes remain a beacon of hope and resilience, emboldening the state’s legacy in collegiate sports. As new chapters unfold under the direction of Coaches Vitzthum and Parling, the anticipation is palpable, with far-reaching aspirations for both the team and the South Dakota community.
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