North Greenville University has announced its 2025 football coaching staff, a group that blends professional pedigree and a bold investment in young coaching talent. The announcement comes as the Trailblazers prepare for their first season competing in Conference Carolinas, a new chapter that adds both excitement and urgency to the program's growth under Head Coach Nate Garner.
 
A Staff Built on Mission and Mindset
 
For Garner, the philosophy behind these hires was simple: bring in men who fit the mission. "I wanted a dominant mindset, and I wanted coaches who matched the values of NGU's faith-based mission," he said. "The NFL experience our staff brings is important, but more important is that these men know how to pour into players' lives the right way."
 
As the Trailblazers embark on their first season in Conference Carolinas, this new staff represents more than résumés or titles. It is a group bound by shared experience, proven loyalty, and a common vision to lead North Greenville football into a new era.
 
Offense: NFL Experience Meets Young Leadership
 
At the center of the offense is Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Dustin Noller, who just months ago was rewriting the record books at Limestone. A two-time South Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Noller is stepping directly into coaching after a decorated five-year playing career. He was regularly included in game-planning meetings with the offensive staff, giving him valuable insight into scheme development and preparation. Noller was also trusted to lead offensive meetings, including sessions with the offensive line, running backs, and tight ends, experiences that sharpened his leadership and communication skills. "Even as a player, Dustin carried himself like a coach," Garner said. "He prepared at a different level and was ready to teach others around him. That made him an easy choice to lead our offense."
 
Garner has paired Noller with a mix of veteran coaches and former pros. Jerricho Cotchery, a 12-year NFL veteran at wide receiver, joins as Assistant Head Coach and Passing Game Coordinator. Cotchery's transition comes after Limestone University closed its doors, opening the door for him to reunite with Garner. "Jerricho's leadership and perspective are invaluable. He's walked the road these young men aspire to, and he does it with humility and faith," Garner said.
 
Julius Pruitt, another former teammate from Garner's Miami Dolphins days, will serve as Running Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. Known for his relentless work ethic, Pruitt oversees all special teams units. "Julius brings energy every single day and matches it with a work ethic our players can model," Garner explained.
 
The offensive line will be led by Connor Baroniunas, Garner's former assistant who has quickly established himself as a rising young line coach. Mike Smith, who has transitioned from coaching the defensive line to the offensive side of the ball, now serves as Tight Ends Coach. Rounding out the offensive staff, Stewart Hunt returns as Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, an NGU alumnus whose ties to the program run deep.
 
Defense: Proven Voices and Pro Pedigree
 
On defense, J.R. Clark will serve as Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach, bringing a strong defensive background and a reputation for teaching toughness and discipline. T.J. Lesniewski, who worked alongside Garner for the past two seasons, will continue his role as Defensive Line Coach and is expected to bring the same high-energy, detail-driven approach he has become known for.
 
In the secondary, former NFL cornerback Julian Posey takes over as Corners Coach. Posey's journey as an undrafted free agent who carved out a pro career with the Jets, Dolphins, and Browns is a testament to perseverance, a message he now carries into his coaching. Complementing him is Nyle Grove, who serves as Safeties Coach and Academic Coordinator, ensuring NGU's defensive backfield is well-rounded on and off the field.
 
Graduate Assistants: Building the Next Generation
 
The staff also includes two graduate assistants who will play important roles in supporting the Trailblazers. Mataeo Durant, a former standout running back at Duke University and the all-time single-season rushing leader for the Blue Devils, joins the program to work with the offense. Hunter Burbank will serve as an Operations and Offensive Graduate Assistant, helping with preparation, scouting, logistics, and player development on the offensive side. Both bring fresh energy and a desire to grow into future full-time coaches.
 
North Greenville's 2025 campaign opens tonight at Delta State. The Statesman enter the weekend ranked 24^th in the D2football.com poll. Kickoff is set for 7 PM (EST).