Elijah Fernandez

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan football head coach Shane Richardson has added Elijah Fernandez to his coaching staff as running backs coach, adding in the responsibilities as Wildcats’ recruiting coordinator.

NMU is in the midst of spring football and are beginning preparations for the fall season.

“We are excited to add Elijah Fernandez to our program,” Richardson said in an NMU Sports Information news release about his hiring. “He brings an enthusiastic attitude, while demonstrating tremendous eagerness to do things right and at a high level.

“He will serve as our recruiting coordinator and brings a passion to communicate well with high school coaches and prospects to find the best fits for our program.

“Elijah aligns with our program vision and values and takes great pride in his work ethic. We are excited for him to contribute to the future of Wildcat football.”

Northern has struggled in Richardson’s first two seasons in Marquette, going 0-11 each season. The Wildcats have annually played multiple nationally ranked teams, making their job more difficult.

NMU had its closest call last fall, when the Wildcats lost in the Superior Dome to GLIAC newcomer Roosevelt 16-10 in overtime.

Fernandez comes to Marquette after he also was running backs coach at fellow NCAA Division II Edinboro University of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, the last two seasons. In addition to overseeing the backfield, he analyzed film, managed and conducted special teams and scout teams, recruited and ran campus tours, and served as the academic and equipment coordinator.

At Edinboro, Fernandez oversaw a backfield that accounted for 28 touchdowns. The Fighting Scots also knocked off Division I Robert Morris last season with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown from Fernandez’s group.

Prior to Edinboro, Fernandez was the offensive quality control coach at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, for a season, and before that was wide receivers coach at Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia.

From 2019-21, Fernandez was a student assistant and handled equipment duties at Liberty University. He graduated from there in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in coaching, sport, event & tourism management.

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release about Fernandez. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.