VERMILLION, S.D. - Mike Freidel of Humboldt, S.D., has been named assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the South Dakota football program, according to an announcement today by USD head coach Ed Meierkort.

Freidel, who had been defensive coordinator and linebacker coach for the Augustana Vikings since 1995, is Meierkort's first hire as he works to fill out his coaching staff. Freidel will begin his duties immediately.

"Mike Freidel has a long record of success as a defensive coordinator and recruiter," said Meierkort, who was named USD's head football coach on Dec. 18. "Mike is considered one of the best defensive coordinators in Division II football. He has tremendous rapport with his players and gives the South Dakota football program an immediate impact in the recruitment of South Dakota football student-athletes, which is my number one priority. Mike is not only a great coach but a great friend and his family will be an asset to this university."

This is the second time Freidel has been part of the South Dakota football program, previously spending the 1994-95 season at USD. During USD's 8-3 season (third in the NCC) in 1995, Freidel orchestrated the Coyotes into the NCC's best defense as South Dakota led the league in total defense (273.3 yards per game) and rushing defense (85.0 yards per game). He returned to Augustana in 1995, resuming responsibilities as defensive coordinator.

"I am excited to be back at South Dakota," said Freidel. "I have fond memories of my first time at USD. I have always felt USD could be a Division II power and I am looking forward to helping make that happen."

Freidel worked at Augustana for 16 seasons from 1985-93 and 1996-2003 as defensive coordinator. In 2002, Augustana ranked third in total defense (311.1 yards per game) and second in rushing defense (104.0 yards per game).

An Armour, S.D., native, Freidel also was defensive coordinator at Southwest Minnesota State from 1979-84. He was the linebacker coach at Dakota State for the 1978 season. A four-year starter at linebacker for Dakota State, Freidel earned All-SDIC honors as a junior and senior. The 1979 Dakota State graduate (bachelor of science in health, physical education and recreation and social science) was named a Little-All American by the Associated Press in 1977 as a senior after leading Dakota State to a 10-0 season and No. 3 national ranking. As a senior, he had a school-record 178 tackles and six interceptions, leading a Dakota State defense that set a NAIA Division II record for points allowed (42) in a season.

A 2000 Dakota State Hall of Fame inductee, he had free agent tryouts with the Montreal Allouettes of the Canadian Football League and the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.

He received a master of science degree in athletic administration at South Dakota State University in Brookings in 1990.

Freidel has also been an assistant professor in health, physical education and recreation and is a member of the American Football Coaches Association.

He and his wife, Joni, have five children, Kelsey, twins Jackson and Jerrod, Kylen and Hailey.