MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of Memphis football team announced the signing of Spence Nowinsky as defensive line coach and assistant defensive coordinator.
Nowinsky joins the Tigers boasting almost three decades of coaching expertise, encompassing his recent tenure as the defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach at Ohio University for the past two seasons. His accomplishments in 2023 include a nomination for the Broyles Award and recognition as the Defensive Coordinator of the Year for the Group of Five.
The former Minnesota State defensive lineman will step into the role previously held by Lou Esposito, who arrived at the Tigers in January from Western Michigan. However, Esposito's tenure lasted less than three months before he departed to assume the position of defensive line coach at Michigan.
The 2023 campaign proved historic for the Ohio Bobcats' defense under Nowinsky's leadership. In his second year, the defensive unit secured a notable No. 4 ranking nationally and claimed the top spot among Group of Five defenses, as well as within the Mid-American Conference.
Moreover, throughout the regular season, the Bobcats consistently ranked within the top ten across all defensive categories. A highlight came during the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl, where the defense's prowess was on full display as they forced five turnovers in Ohio's 41-21 victory over Georgia Southern, setting a program record for turnovers forced in a bowl game.
"This is a big time hire for our program," Silverfield said, in a statement. "Spence navigated one of the very best defenses in all of college football and he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our defensive line. We are very excited to add Coach Nowinsky to our staff."
The defensive line coach began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin and was defensive coordinator at Illinois State and Miami (Ohio) before joining the Bobcats. He arrives in Memphis with less than two weeks prior to the University's spring game.
"My family and I are extremely excited to be a part of the Memphis Tiger football program," Nowinsky observed. "I am very thankful that Coach Silverfield has given me this opportunity. I look forward to working with Coach Hankins, Coach Clark, Coach Howard, the entire football staff and an incredible group of student-athletes at the University of Memphis."
Memphis' spring game is set for 3 p.m. April 20 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.