Buies Creek – Campbell head coach Mike Minter has completed his 2019 coaching staff, including promoting tight ends coach Nick Grimes to offensive coordinator.
Grimes wrapped his second season as Campbell’s tight ends coach in 2018, helping the Camels rank ninth nationally in sacks allowed, clearing the way for six individual 100-yard rushing games. Campbell owned the Big South’s second-ranked passing offense, standing No. 2 in pass completions, passing yards and pass touchdowns, as well as third-ranked totals in scoring offense, touchdowns, total offense, rush yards and rush TDs.
“Nick Grimes really brings the leadership we need from the offensive coordinator position,” said Minter. “He has been instrumental in our success over the last couple of years. I see a great leader and a great teacher of what he wants from the staff and players. I love what he brings to the table.”
Grimes also coached Michael Wooten, who was named to the Big South’s All-Academic team, as well as second team all-conference by Phil Steele. Wooten has been CU’s starter at tight end over the last 21 consecutive games, posting 13 catches for 73 yards during the 2018 season.
Grimes will remain the Camels’ tight ends coach in addition to his new duties. He has also made previous stops at Cincinnati and at the prep level in Texas. Prior to graduating from Sam Houston State in 2009, where he was a team captain and earned honorable mention All-Southland Conference accolades, Grimes finished his high school career at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, N.C. He is originally from College Station, Texas.
In addition, Adam Morris passing game coordinator, D.J. Summers offensive running game coordinator and Damien Adams to defensive run game coordinator. Morris will also transition from coaching CU’s wide receiver unit to quarterbacks, while Ben Bolling, who has tutored the Campbell safeties for the last two seasons, will take over the wide receiver group. Hunter Somerville has also been named special teams coordinator. Summers and Adams will continue to coach running backs and the defensive line, respectively.
“Our foundation is always one team, one heartbeat, and we have great continuity and relationships in this staff,” said Minter on his 2019 coaching staff. “One thing I think is powerful is that we have everything we need in house. We want to create the greatest staff in the FCS. I love how we work together. Everyone is on the same page with our mission, and that is unlocking the full potential in every player on this team.”
Minter has also added former Texas A&M defensive assistant DeAndre Thompson to the staff as assistant defensive backs coach. Thompson, a former defensive back and track athlete with the Aggies (2008-11), spent three seasons as a defensive graduate assistant at his alma mater from 2016-18 following a stint in a similar position at Missouri in 2015.
Campbell finished 2018 at 6-5 overall and 1-4 in its inaugural Big South season. With six wins, the Camels secured back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in the program’s modern era (since 2008), and tied an overall program record for victories.
In addition, seven Camels were named to All-Big South teams, with freshman wide receiver Caleb Snead and redshirt junior punter Brad Dennis headlining the league’s first team. Snead was also named First Team Freshman All-America.
The Camels led the FCS in fewest passing yards allowed per game (122.5), while ranking 25th in total defense (335.4 yards per game). CU also ranked in the FCS’ top-10 in fewest sacks allowed (0.82 per game), finishing the year sixth.
