Ohio University

Last Updated: Aug. 13, 2024

Twitter: @CoachFaanes

Nate Faanes has been a member of the Ohio University coaching staff since 2016. After two seasons as a defensive graduate assistant and one season as the linebackers coach, Faanes added the responsibility of Special Teams Coordinator prior to the 2020 season. Most recently, Faanes was promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator prior to the 2024 season. 

At the conclusion of the 2023 regular season, Faanes was named an American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 35 Under 35 honoree, as announced by the AFCA. 

Faanes has mentored a number of All-MAC players during his tenure with the Bobcats including linebackers Quentin Poling (First Team, 2017), Chad Moore (Second Team, 2017), Evan Croutch (Second Team, 2018), Bryce Houston (First Team, 2023) and Keye Thompson (First Team 2023), as well as specialists Keegan Wilburn (First Team, 2022) and Nathanial Vakos (Second Team, 2022).  

2023 was a historic season for the Bobcats, marking the first time in program history the team recorded back-to-back nine-win regular seasons. With the addition of the 41-21 victory over Georgia Southern in the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl, the team recorded consecutive 10-win seasons for the first time as well. The defense played a large part in this success, finishing the season No. 1 in the Mid-American Conference and No. 4 in FBS football.

Houston saw great individual success as well, finishing the season ranked 16^th among all NCAA FBS athletes and fourth in the MAC in total tackles (127). Thompson was right on his tail, finishing the season among the top 10 in the MAC in total tackles. Thompson scored his first career touchdown against Bowling Green (Sept. 23) after a 71-yard fumble recovery.

While on staff with the Bobcats Faanes has contributed to some of the league’s best defenses coaching multiple linebackers to 100+ tackle seasons (Poling, Croutch, Houston and Thompson). Under his direction the Bobcats special teams units have scored four kickoff return touchdowns, and led the conference in punts downed inside the 10 yard line and kickoff coverage tackles inside the 20 yard line. 

Prior to arriving in Athens, Faanes served as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire from 2013-15. With the Blugolds, Faanes coached tight ends, quarterbacks, and running backs. Additionally, Faanes was the quarterbacks coach at Winona (Minnesota) Senior High School from 2009-12. A 2015 graduate of Winona State University, Faanes received his master’s degree in Coaching Education from Ohio University in 2018.