University of Northern Colorado Athletics

UNC To Begin Wrestling Head Coach Search
University of Northern Colorado Announces National Search for Head Wrestling Coach
6/9/2025 9:15:00 AM | Wrestling
Nickerson Concludes Successful Tenure At UNC
GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado will launch a national search for its next Head Wrestling Coach to lead the Bears program following the departure of Troy Nickerson to Army.
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"Troy has been an outstanding coach for the Bears and he has left the program in a great place," said Darren Dunn, Director of Athletics. "We are beginning the search for our next head coach who will continue to elevate our wrestling program and inspire our student-athletes to succeed at the highest level. I am confident that we will find a new head coach that will support our student-athletes on and off the mat."
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During Nickerson's time at Northern Colorado, the Bears have achieved many accomplishments. Nickerson coached Greeley-native Andrew Alirez to an individual NCAA National Championship in 2023. The 2024-25 season saw four wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships with two earning NCAA All-American honors. The Bears also had two wrestlers become Big XII Champions this past season.
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Dunn also announced that Earl Hall will serve as the interim head coach. Hall has been a member of the UNC coaching staff since 2021.
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Information on the official application process will be announced at a later date.
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For more information and updates on the search process, visit UNCBears.com or follow @UNC_Bears on social media.
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"Troy has been an outstanding coach for the Bears and he has left the program in a great place," said Darren Dunn, Director of Athletics. "We are beginning the search for our next head coach who will continue to elevate our wrestling program and inspire our student-athletes to succeed at the highest level. I am confident that we will find a new head coach that will support our student-athletes on and off the mat."
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During Nickerson's time at Northern Colorado, the Bears have achieved many accomplishments. Nickerson coached Greeley-native Andrew Alirez to an individual NCAA National Championship in 2023. The 2024-25 season saw four wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships with two earning NCAA All-American honors. The Bears also had two wrestlers become Big XII Champions this past season.
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Dunn also announced that Earl Hall will serve as the interim head coach. Hall has been a member of the UNC coaching staff since 2021.
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Information on the official application process will be announced at a later date.
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For more information and updates on the search process, visit UNCBears.com or follow @UNC_Bears on social media.
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Players Mentioned
HC Nickerson, Vinny Zerban, and AJ Heeg Post Dual Press Conference vs Cal Baptist 01/24/2025
Wednesday, May 21
Andrew Alirez Press Conference
Wednesday, May 21
Postmatch Press Conference - HC Troy Nickerson
Wednesday, May 21
Head Coach Troy Nickerson and Andrew Alirez Post Match Press Conference
Monday, February 24