Davidson, NC (Sports Network) - Former Davidson University quarterback Paul
Nichols will return to his alma mater to become its new head football coach,
according to a report Tuesday.
Footballscoop.com said Nichols will take over the Pioneer Football League
program. Tripp Merritt was fired with two games remaining in a 2-9 season. He
was 31-51 in eight seasons.
Nichols is the director player personnel at Illinois and previously coached at
Marshall and Toledo, including as co-defensive coordinator.
At Davidson, Nichols set school records for career passing yards (5,822),
completions (465) and touchdown passes (51) and compiled a 22-6 record as a
starting quarterback. As a sophomore in 2000, he led Davidson to a 10-0
record.
Nichols was named a first-team All-Pioneer League selection as a senior.
After Merritt was fired in November, Brett Hayford served as the associate
head coach over the final two games, splitting them.
The Sports Network