Football
- Title:
- Co-Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
- Email:
- derek.nicholson@usm.edu
- Phone:
- 266-5393
Derek Nicholson is in his third season as a Golden Eagle after spending the 2015 campaign at Alcorn State.
This offseason he took over as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach after overseeing the defensive line his first two seasons.
Derek Nicholson is in his fourth season as a Golden Eagle after spending the 2015 campaign at Alcorn State.
He moved last offseason to co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach after overseeing the defensive line his first two seasons.
During the 2018 campaign, he helped lead a squad that finished No. 3 in total defense (278.4) in the country. He also had two of his linebackers, Racheem Boothe and Sherrod Ruff, make Conference USA honorable mention honors.
In 2017, Nicholson coached one second-team All-Conference USA selection, Xavier Thigpen, and three honorable mention league picks in Rod Crayton, LaDarius Harris and Draper Riley. His first year in Hattiesburg saw him mentor Dylan Bradley (first-team) and Thigpen (honorable mention) to All-Conference USA nods.
Nicholson spent the 2014 season at the University of Louisville, coaching outside linebackers/defensive ends on a defense that ranked fifth in the country in total defense, lead the nation in interceptions, were ninth in total sacks and fourth in rush defense.
During the 2013 campaign, Nicholson worked at Akron coaching linebackers. Nicholson developed a group of linebackers that included a first and third team Mid-American Conference honorees. It was the first time since 2010 that Akron placed a first-team linebacker and the first time since 2001 that the Zips had multiple linebackers on the All-Conference team.
He began his coaching career in 2011, coaching high school football in both North Carolina and Florida.
Nicholson played at Florida State and finished his career with 207 tackles, 25.5 TFL, three sacks and two defensive TDs. He was the Seminoles’ leading tackler for two consecutive season. He recorded 15.5 TFL in one season in 2008 which ranked him tied for 10th in FSU history. He also scored two defensive touchdowns in one season and finished ranked fourth best all time in one season at FSU as a defender. In 2008, he garnered All-ACC honors and was a member of the All-ACC academic team during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
He earned his undergraduate degree in sport management in three years in December 2008. He was an undrafted free agent signee by the Atlanta Falcons and played for them in 2009 before a career-ending knee injury.
He is married to the former Onnie Trusty and the couple have one daughter, Alana Nicholson.
