University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Staff Directory
Nick Nissen
- Title:
- Assistant Coach | Run Game Coordinator | Offensive Line
- Email:
- Phone:
- 970.351.3046
Updated December 2025
Nick Nissen was named tight ends coach at Northern Colorado in December 2022 before being promoted to offensive line coach in 2024 and adding the role of run game coordinator in the spring of 2025. He enters the 2026 season as a key leader of the Bears’ offensive front.
Â
During the 2025 season, Nissen guided an offensive line that ranked among the best in the Big Sky Conference and nationally in pass protection and negative-play prevention. Northern Colorado finished the year ranked ninth nationally and second in the Big Sky in sacks allowed, surrendering just 0.92 sacks per game. The Bears also ranked 36th nationally and fifth in the conference in tackles for loss allowed (4.92 per game), reflecting improved consistency and discipline up front. UNC’s offensive efficiency was further supported by a No. 15 national ranking in net punting and a top-25 national ranking in fewest penalties, underscoring improved situational execution and line play across all phases
Â
Individual development up front was highlighted by Jack Ziebell, who earned Honorable Mention All-Big Sky recognition following the season, reflecting the continued growth and stability of the Bears’ offensive line under Nissen’s direction.
Â
Nissen joined Northern Colorado after spending the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Bemidji State, serving as offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, the Beavers won back-to-back NSIC championships and earned two NCAA playoff appearances, both program firsts. The 2021 team finished 10-3, securing the first 10-win season and postseason victory in school history. That offensive line ranked fifth nationally in sacks allowed (9) and 11th in tackles for loss allowed (44), while blocking for one of the top total and passing offenses in the nation. Nissen coached All-American Ty Cobb and All-Region selection Conor Kovas, while helping quarterback Brandon Alt earn Harlon Hill Trophy finalist honors.
Â
Across two seasons at Bemidji State, Nissen coached two All-Americans, four All-Region selections, and seven All-NSIC performers.
Â
Prior to Bemidji State, Nissen spent six seasons at Minot State (2016-21), coaching the offensive line while also serving as recruiting coordinator and life skills and community service coordinator. In 2019, Minot State’s offensive line allowed just 13 sacks, the second-fewest in the NSIC, while increasing rushing production by 486 yards from the previous season. Nissen coached two NSIC All-Conference selections, 11 NSIC All-Academic honorees, and recruited the 2019 NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year. He also oversaw more than 1,200 hours of team community service over three seasons.
Â
Nissen has also coached players who advanced to the professional ranks, including Sebastian Gutierrez (Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders) and Troy Kowel (BC Lions - CFL).
Â
He began his coaching career in 2015 as a graduate assistant at Southern Utah, helping guide the Thunderbirds to a Big Sky Conference Championship and an FCS playoff appearance. That season, SUU averaged 445.0 yards per game, including 1,990 rushing yards.
Â
As a student-athlete, Nissen was a five-year letterwinner at Southern Utah, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines. He was a two-time Big Sky All-Conference selection, voted a team captain, and earned recognition as SUU’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman.
Nissen earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education/exercise science from Southern Utah in 2014 and completed his master’s degree in sports management at Minot State University in 2021.
Â
Nick Nissen was named tight ends coach at Northern Colorado in December 2022 before being promoted to offensive line coach in 2024 and adding the role of run game coordinator in the spring of 2025. He enters the 2026 season as a key leader of the Bears’ offensive front.
Â
During the 2025 season, Nissen guided an offensive line that ranked among the best in the Big Sky Conference and nationally in pass protection and negative-play prevention. Northern Colorado finished the year ranked ninth nationally and second in the Big Sky in sacks allowed, surrendering just 0.92 sacks per game. The Bears also ranked 36th nationally and fifth in the conference in tackles for loss allowed (4.92 per game), reflecting improved consistency and discipline up front. UNC’s offensive efficiency was further supported by a No. 15 national ranking in net punting and a top-25 national ranking in fewest penalties, underscoring improved situational execution and line play across all phases
Â
Individual development up front was highlighted by Jack Ziebell, who earned Honorable Mention All-Big Sky recognition following the season, reflecting the continued growth and stability of the Bears’ offensive line under Nissen’s direction.
Â
Nissen joined Northern Colorado after spending the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Bemidji State, serving as offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, the Beavers won back-to-back NSIC championships and earned two NCAA playoff appearances, both program firsts. The 2021 team finished 10-3, securing the first 10-win season and postseason victory in school history. That offensive line ranked fifth nationally in sacks allowed (9) and 11th in tackles for loss allowed (44), while blocking for one of the top total and passing offenses in the nation. Nissen coached All-American Ty Cobb and All-Region selection Conor Kovas, while helping quarterback Brandon Alt earn Harlon Hill Trophy finalist honors.
Â
Across two seasons at Bemidji State, Nissen coached two All-Americans, four All-Region selections, and seven All-NSIC performers.
Â
Prior to Bemidji State, Nissen spent six seasons at Minot State (2016-21), coaching the offensive line while also serving as recruiting coordinator and life skills and community service coordinator. In 2019, Minot State’s offensive line allowed just 13 sacks, the second-fewest in the NSIC, while increasing rushing production by 486 yards from the previous season. Nissen coached two NSIC All-Conference selections, 11 NSIC All-Academic honorees, and recruited the 2019 NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year. He also oversaw more than 1,200 hours of team community service over three seasons.
Â
Nissen has also coached players who advanced to the professional ranks, including Sebastian Gutierrez (Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders) and Troy Kowel (BC Lions - CFL).
Â
He began his coaching career in 2015 as a graduate assistant at Southern Utah, helping guide the Thunderbirds to a Big Sky Conference Championship and an FCS playoff appearance. That season, SUU averaged 445.0 yards per game, including 1,990 rushing yards.
Â
As a student-athlete, Nissen was a five-year letterwinner at Southern Utah, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines. He was a two-time Big Sky All-Conference selection, voted a team captain, and earned recognition as SUU’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman.
Nissen earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education/exercise science from Southern Utah in 2014 and completed his master’s degree in sports management at Minot State University in 2021.
Â
| Year | School | Position |
| 2015 | Southern Utah | Graduate Assistant - Offensive Line |
| 2016 | Minot State | Offensive Line Coach |
| 2017 | Minot State | Offensive Line Coach |
| 2018 | Minot State | Offensive Line Coach |
| 2019 | Minot State | Offensive Line Coach & Recruiting Coordinator |
| 2020 | Minot State | Offensive Line Coach & Recruiting Coordinator |
| 2021 | Bemidji State | Offensive Line Coach & Recruiting Coordinator |
| 2022 | Bemidji State | Offensive Line Coach & Recruiting Coordinator |
| 2023 | UNC | Tight Ends |
| 2024 | UNC | Offensive Line |
| 2025 | UNC | Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator |
Steve Smiley, Brock Wisne & Ring Nyeri Press Conference vs DU
Saturday, December 20
Post Dual Press Conference with Head Coach Teyon Ware
Saturday, December 20
Steve Smiley, Zach Bloch and Egan Shields Press Conference vs South Dakota
Sunday, December 07
Weldwerks Bear Beer
Tuesday, December 02
