USD Coyotes Name Heath Parling as New Quarterbacks Coach

VERMILLION, S.D. – Head football coach Matt Vitzthum has announced the addition of Heath Parling to his coaching staff as the new quarterbacks coach for the University of South Dakota Coyotes. The announcement was made by GoYotes.com on February 6, 2026.

Parling’s Coaching Experience

Parling brings over nine years of coaching experience, specializing in quarterbacks and other offensive skill positions. He joins the Coyotes after four seasons in Division II, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator at Upper Iowa University from 2022-2024.

Success at Upper Iowa

During his tenure as offensive coordinator, Parling significantly improved the Upper Iowa offense. The Peacocks achieved a 7-4 record in 2024 and a 9-3 record in 2025, finishing second and third in their conference, respectively. Plaintalk.net reports that Parling likewise coached a pair of First Team All-Conference selections: Mante Morrow (wide receiver) and Eddie Burgess (tight complete).

In 2023, Upper Iowa boasted the second-best passing offense in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Burgess was named an AFCA Second Team All-American in 2025, recording 641 receiving yards and 55 receptions with five touchdowns.

Prior Experience

Before Upper Iowa, Parling spent four seasons as an offensive graduate assistant at FBS programs: Miami University (Ohio) from 2015-2017 and Colorado State from 2018-2019, where he worked with quarterbacks and running backs.

Replacing Aidan Bouman

The hiring of Parling is particularly important as the Coyotes prepare for the 2026 season following the graduation of longtime starting quarterback Aidan Bouman. GoYotes.com notes that Vitzthum worked directly with Bouman in 2025, during which Bouman threw for over 2,000 yards and a career-best 26 touchdown passes.

Coyote Quarterback Roster

The USD Coyotes currently have three quarterbacks on their roster: Jackson Proctor and Nevan Cremascoli (Redshirt Seniors), and Austyn Modrzewski (Redshirt Freshman).

“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,” said Vitzthum. “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!”