Nielson leaves Western Illinois for South Dakota

(STATS) - Bob Nielson stepped down as Western Illinois' football coach Monday to switch schools in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and take the reins as South Dakota's new coach.

South Dakota has scheduled a news conference on campus Tuesday to introduce the 56-year-old Nielson, who replaces Joe Glenn following his retirement.

"Thanks to Coach Nielson for his three years of service to the university. He certainly helped move the program forward," WIU interim athletic director Matt Tanney said.

Nielson was the MVFC's coach of the year, leading Western Illinois to a 7-6 record and its first FCS playoff appearance since 2010.

He was 16-21 in three seasons with the Leathernecks.

In his career, Nielson has a 186-80-1 (.698), also leading Ripon College (1989-90), Wartburg College (1991-95), Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1996-98) and Minnesota-Duluth (1999-2003, 2008-12). He won two Division II national titles at Minnesota-Duluth with 15-0 teams in 2008 and 2010.