VERMILLION, S.D. (12/31/01) - South Dakota Head Football Coach John Austin has announced that assistant coaches Brent Salem and Brad Salem have resigned their positions to enter private business. "I appreciate all the work that Brent and Brad have done for our program and I wish them well in their future endeavors," said Austin. "I also want to thank Joe Salem and his entire family for all they have done for this program," he added.

Both Brent and Brad Salem joined the South Dakota football staff in 1999 and have been assistants for Coach Austin for three years. Brent Salem, who has served as offensive coordinator, came to South Dakota from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Ill. Brad Salem, who has served as recruiting coordinator and receivers coach, came to South Dakota from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Brent and Brad Salem are the sons of former South Dakota football coach Joe Salem. According to Austin, a nationwide search will be conducted to fill the two open coaching positions.