Eric Eidsness

Biography

Eric Eidsness rejoined the Jackrabbit coaching staff in January 2025 for his third stint as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Eidsness served as the Jackrabbits' offensive coordinator on two previous occasions — from 1999 until 2003 while SDSU competed at the NCAA Division II level and again from 2010-18. The Jackrabbits made seven consecutive appearances in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs to close out his second go-around, including back-to-back semifinal berths in 2017 and 2018. He also held the title of associate head coach under John Stiegelmeier from 2015-18. "Eric brings a ton of experience on the offensive side of the ball and I'm really fired up to have a South Dakotan on staff who knows everything about the past, present and future of Jackrabbit football," Jackson said. "The offense that we've run at South Dakota State for the last 10-plus years really originated with Eric, and each offensive coordinator since has put his own twist and approach on it." Most recently, Eidsness worked in similar coaching roles for six seasons at Northern Illinois. The Huskies played in three bowl games, including posting wins in the Camilla Bowl in 2023 and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 2024. With Eidsness directing the offense, the Jackrabbits have posted prolific numbers in both the running and passing games. SDSU has consistently re-written the record book under Eidsness’ watch, including establishing 28 new single-game, season and career marks during th