Davidson Names Alum Paul Nichols Head Football Coach

Press Conference
One-on-One with Paul Nichols
Video Feature
Photo Gallery

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Paul Nichols '03, who as a student-athlete in 2000 quarterbacked Davidson to its first-and-only undefeated season, is returning to his alma mater to serve as the football program's 27th head coach, Director of Athletics Jim Murphy announced Friday.

Nichols, a coach at the Football Bowl Subdivision level since 2004, becomes the youngest head coach in all of NCAA Division Ifootball at age 31. Born January 25, 1981, Nichols is 57 days younger than P.J. Fleck (born November 29, 1980), who was officially named as the head coach of FBS-level Western Michigan Tuesday. Portland State's Nigel Burton, born July 30, 1976, was previously the youngest Football Championship Subdivision head coach.

Nichols most recently served as the director of player personnel at Illinois last season. In that position, he coordinated on-campus recruiting efforts and relations with high school coaches, among other duties, for head coach Tim Beckman and the Fighting Illini staff.

Prior to his time at Illinois, Nichols spent three seasons on Beckman's staff at Toledo as co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach, where he played a vital role in the transformation of the Rockets' defense.

In 2011, Nichols helped guide the Rockets to a 9-4 record and a win over Air Force in the Military Bowl. Toledo was 7-1 in the MAC and shared the West Division title. Defensively, the Rockets forced 30 turnovers on the season (ranking 16th nationally) and ranked third nationally in turnover margin (+1.23). In 2010, UT increased its forced turnovers from 21 to 34, the fifth-highest takeaway total in the nation, as the Rockets made their first bowl appearance in five years.

Before making his way to Toledo, Nichols served as an assistant at Marshall University for three seasons, where he coached All-Conference USA safety Curtis Keyes (2006) and All-Freshman cornerback Zearrick Matthews (2006).

Prior to his tenure at Marshall, Nichols completed two seasons as a graduate assistant at Ohio State from 2004-05 where he assisted with the defensive backs and defensive line.

A native of Dunwoody, Ga., Nichols graduated from Davidson College in 2003 with bachelor's degrees in political science and history. Nichols was a first-team All-Pioneer League and a first-team Pioneer League All-Academic selection as a senior, and was named honorable mention All-America by Don Hansen's Football Gazette.

Nichols departed as the school record holder for career passing yards (5,822), completions (465) and touchdown passes (51), and compiled a 22-6 record as a starting quarterback. After seeing limited action as a freshman, Nichols won the starting job prior to his sophomore year andguided the 'Cats to a 10-0 season. His junior year was cut short by a knee injury, but Nichols bounced back as a senior and matched the school record for touchdown passes in a single season with 25.

Nichols now ranks third in passing yards and completions after being surpassed by Ryan Alexander '08 and rising senior Jonathan Carkhuff. He is also now second to Alexander in career passing touchdowns, with Carkhuff needing just six more touchdown passes to move past Nichols in that category.

Nichols will be the first Davidson alumnus to guide the football program on a full-time basis since Dave Fagg '58, who finished his second coaching stint with the Wildcats following the 1992 season. He joins Matt Spear '93 (men's soccer) as the only other Davidson alum currently serving as a head coach at Davidson.

Nichols and his wife, the former Lauran Lightmas, a 2004 graduate of Davidson, have a son, Drew, who was born May 26, 2011.

What They're Saying About Paul Nichols...

“We're very pleased to have Paul Nichols return to Davidson as our Head Football Coach. Since his days as a player, Paul's commitment and determination have led to significant success and I have high expectations for our Football Program under his leadership. Paul and his family understand the Davidson culture and he's a great fit for us. It's good to see him back.”

Jim Murphy - Director of Athletics, Davidson

“You're not just getting a quality coach - you're getting a quality person and family. I have been with Paul, and Lauran for the past four years, and they are a true football family. Paul is an excellent coach and motivator. He will be a terrific addition to the Davidson football program and community.”

Tim Beckman - Head Coach, University of Illinois

“Paul Nichols is one of the brightest, innovative, hard-working coaches in America. The Wildcat Nation is in store for a wonderful future under the caring guidance of Coach Nichols. His blood is red, black, and white, and his love for Davidson is unmatched."

Jim Tressel - Former Ohio State Head Coach

THE NICHOLS' FILE
Hometown: Dunwoody, Ga.

Birthdate: Jan. 25, 1981

Family: Wife, Lauran; Son, Drew

Education: A.B., history and political science - Davidson, 2003

Playing Experience: Davidson, 1999-2002

NICHOLS YEAR-BY-YEAR

2012-pr.: Davidson (Head Coach)

2012: Illinois (Director of Player Personnel)

2009-11: Toledo (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)

2006-08: Marshall (Cornerbacks, 2007-08; Secondary, 2006)

2004-05: Ohio State (Graduate Assistant)

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results