Nowinski was a candidate for the Broyles Award last season, given to the best assistant coach in college football.
MEMPHIS, TN — University of Memphis Football Team announced Signed Spence Nowinski as defensive line coach and assistant defensive coordinator.
Nowinski joins the Tigers with nearly 30 years of coaching experience, including the past two seasons as defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach at Ohio University. His accomplishments in 2023 include a nomination for the Broyles Award and recognition as Group of Five Defensive Coordinator of the Year.
The former Minnesota State defensive lineman will step into the role previously held by Lou Esposito, who joined the Tigers from Western Michigan in January. However, Esposito's tenure lasted less than three months before he left to become defensive line coach at the University of Michigan.
The 2023 campaign was historic for the Ohio Bobcats defense under Nowinski's leadership. In its second year, the defensive unit achieved a remarkable 4th national ranking, earning it the top spot among Group 5 defenses and among the top in the Mid-American Conference.
Additionally, throughout the regular season, the Bobcats consistently ranked within the top 10 in every defensive category. The highlight was the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl, where the defense's outstanding ability was on full display as Ohio University defeated Georgia Southern 41-21, forcing a turn in the bowl game. He set a program record for overs.
“This is a valuable hire for our program,” Silverfield said in a statement. “Spence plays one of the best defenses in college football and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our defensive line. We are very excited to add Coach Nowinski to our staff. ”
The defensive line coach began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin and served as defensive coordinator at Illinois State University and Miami (Ohio) before joining the Bobcats. He arrives in Memphis with less than two weeks until the college's spring game.
“My family and I are very excited to join the Memphis Tiger football program,” Nowinski said. “I'm very grateful to Coach Silverfield for giving me this opportunity. I'm very grateful to Coach Hankins, Coach Clark, Coach Howard, the entire football staff, and the great group of student-athletes at the University of Memphis. I’m looking forward to doing it.”
Memphis' spring game is scheduled for April 20 at 3 p.m. at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
