NSU’s Stubbs adds final touches to 2010 coaching staff

Nicholls State first-year football coach Charlie Stubbs finalized his coaching staff last Tuesday and announced the hiring of Edward Dillon and Adam Gardner.

Both men are former Nicholls players – a trait Stubbs said he liked in the coaches.

“Both of these coaches have ties to the program and are individuals of high character that want to see their alma mater succeed,” he said. “They have a go-getter attitude, and both played here. It’s good to have them on board.”

Dillon will serve as the team’s cornerbacks’ coach, while Gardner will be an assistant coach for the offensive line.

Stubbs said three weeks ago he had already gotten agreements from the men, but the hire could not be announced until the coaches had their contracts approved.

“These guys will be a fine fit for our program, much like all of the other hires that we’ve had,” Stubbs said. “We’re excited to see them in action.”

Dillon lands in Thibodaux after a decorated career as a high school coach.

He last coached at Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Ga., where he was the defensive backs coach and special teams assistant.

Dillon also coached at Therrel High School in Atlanta, where he evacuated after Hurricane Katrina. The coach also was a coach for the New Orleans Recreational Department and Karr High School.

“This is a homecoming in more ways than one for Edward,” Stubbs said. “We are happy to welcome him and his enthusiasm to the program. I’m confident that he will be a quick learner with spring camp right around the corner.”

Gardner is also a New Orleanian and he last served as an offensive and defensive line coach at De La Salle High School, where he’s coached since 2007.

The former Colonel got his first coaching gig in 2005, when he was a student assistant coach at Southern Mississippi.

Stubbs said the former Colonels’ All-Conference player would mesh nicely working with Keith Uperesa, the team’s offensive line coach.

“Adam is extremely excited to be here at his alma mater and is really looking forward to learning and working with Keith Uperesa,” the first-year coach said. “He is a young and energetic coach who will bring a lot of positive energy to the program.”

The move will finalize the team’s coaching staff. The Colonels will begin spring practices on March 29; a date Stubbs said can’t come soon enough.

“We’re excited to see what we have to work with,” Stubbs said. “I haven’t watched much film because I didn’t want to get any pre-conceived notions about anyone. Everyone will be starting fresh on the same playing field.”