| Year: | 1979 |
| Team: | South Dakota Coyotes |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | North Central Conference |
| Short Conf: | NCC |
| Record: | 5–6 |
| Conf Record: | 3–3 |
| Head Coach: | Dave Triplett |
| Hc Year: | 1st |
| Stadium: | Inman Field/DakotaDome |
The 1979 South Dakota Coyotes football team represented the University of South Dakotaas a member of the North Central Conference (NCC) during the 1979 NCAA Division II football season. Led by first-year head coach Dave Triplett, the Coyotes compiled an overall record of 5–6 with a mark of 3–3 in conference play, tying for fourth place in the NCC. South Dakota and played two head-to-head games, both won by the Jackrabbits, which counted as one loss for South Dakota and one win for South Dakota State in the conference standings.