Augie Introduces New Head Football Coach

It's a job he's had his eye on for years and on Wednesday, he got it.

Augustana introduced Jerry Olszewski at a press conference Wednesday morning. The 44-year-old will be tasked with leading the Vikings football team into the future, following a disappointing 5-6 season.

And with that, the Olszewski era begins at Augie. The former Division III St. Olaf head coach comes to Sioux Falls after five seasons with the Oles and a 32-18 overall record.

"Augustana actually reached out to me and said, 'Would you have some interest in our coaching vacancy?' To be very honest, it has been a job that I have always considered very special," Olszewski said.

Now that he's claimed the gig, there's plenty of work to be done, including moving his wife and three kids to town.

There's also high expectations to meet according to Athletic Director Bill Gross. 

"We don't apologize. We think we have one of the best, if not the best private school Division II coaching job in the country when you put together our facilities, our funding, the school. I think using all those resources, the future can be real bright for Augustana football," Gross said.

Olszewski met with his new team before Wednesday’s announcement. He says the guys are hungry to win and do things the right way. And after several years on the sideline, he knows what that takes.

"Coaching is one of those professions that you truly do learn wisdom over time. Being around it for 20 years, I'm starting to gain a little bit of wisdom. I look forward to the competition. I look forward to the league. I look forward to getting Augustana college its first championship since 1952," Olszewski said.

Olszewski is Augie's 21st football coach. Before St. Olaf, he spent parts of eight seasons at the D-II level in Mankato with Minnesota State.