THIBODAUX, La.  – Nicholls State University football head coach Charlie Stubbs announced Friday the hiring of three new coaches – Steve Adams (special teams coordinator/safeties), Freddie Banks (cornerbacks) and Brandon Nowlin (tight ends) – and the promotion of tight ends coach Matt Clark to offensive line coach.

“We are very pleased with the additions to our coaching staff,” Coach Stubbs said. “All three men bring great qualities to our program and we are excited to have them on board.”

Adams joins the Colonels after serving as defensive backs coach/recruiting coordinator last year at Concord University. In 2012, the Mountain Lions ranked in the nation's top 10 in scoring defense (17.2 ppg/9th) and pass defense (163.3 ypg/7th), while finishing 13th in the NCAA Division-II in total defense (293.9). All four of his starting defensive backs earned all-conference honors – including first-team All-American Riyahd Richarson - which led to his promotion to co-defensive coordinator at the completion of the season.

In 2011, he also acted as special teams coordinator, helping lead Concord to a conference championship. The defense also finished with high marks in that season, ranking fifth in turnover margin (+1.4) and sixth in interceptions (22).

Before joining Concord, Adams had stints with Purdue University (quality control), University of Louisville (director of football ops/quality control) and Western Kentucky University (assistant defensive backs coach). He earned his bachelor's degree from WKU where he lettered three years as a strong safety.

“I coached with Steve at Louisville, so I know what he's capable of. He will bring great knowledge and expertise to our program,” Stubbs said.

Banks comes to Nicholls after spending two seasons at Minnesota State University Moorhead where he coached the defensive backs. Along with calling defensive plays, Banks helped out with the special teams and assisted the strength and conditioning program.

Before becoming a coach, Banks, a native of Harvey, Ill., played cornerback at North Dakota State from 2007-2010. As a senior, he contributed to the Bison defense that ranked number one in pass efficiency and interceptions in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. In 2008, he was part of the defense that led the FCS in pass defense and ranked fifth in total defense, 19th in scoring defense and 22nd in rush defense. While at NDSU, he earned a degree in sociology with a minor in public relations.

“Freddie comes from a strong program in North Dakota State, so he knows what needs to be done in order to win at this level,” Stubbs said.

Nowlin joins the Colonels after serving as head football coach and athletic director at Morgan City High School. Before taking over at Morgan City in 2010, Nowlin coached in the collegiate ranks with a three-year stint at Central Arkansas (tight ends/h-back) and one year stops at Adrian College (special teams coordinator/tight ends/offensive backs) and Iona College (defensive line/specialists).

A native of Baton Rouge and graduate of Catholic High, Nowlin played football at LSU where he was a member of the 2003 championship team as an H-back/fullback. At LSU, he received a degree in business administration before earning a Masters in sport management.

“Brandon is a great addition not only because he is a local guy, but because he has coaching experience in the Southland Conference,” Stubbs said. “He was part of the 2008 championship team at UCA, so he will bring a winner's mentality to help us reach our goals.”

Clark, in his second season with the Colonel football program, will take over as offensive line coach after directing the tight ends in 2012. Under his tutelage, sophomore Nick Scelfo was second in the conference in receiving yards among tight ends and was named second-team All-Southland.

“Matt did a great job for us in his first year and I think he'll make a great transition to offensive line, “Stubbs said. “He brings a lot of energy and expertise to the position.”

The Colonels will open up its spring schedule on April 9, with the annual spring scrimmage slated for April 27.