Florida Memorial doesn’t look far as it names football coach and AD in rapid succession
In a span of just 24 hours, Florida Memorial University made two major announcements within its athletic department.
On Wednesday, Michael Jones became just the third head football coach since the FMU Lions brought back their program in 2020.
On Tuesday, Kevin Nesfield was named FMU’s athletic director.
Both Jones and Nesfield were hired from within as both men essentially earned promotions.
Jones hopes to continue to lead FMU to greater heights as the Lions have improved their record every year since returning to the field.
FMU — under Tim “Ice” Harris — went 0-3 in a COVID-shortened 2020 season, and, in 2021, the Lions earned their first win in 63 years, finishing 2-9.
During the past three years, with Bobby Rome II as coach, the Lions made strides, going 3-7, followed by 6-4 and 6-3-1.
Jones had served as Rome’s offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. In fact, he has been on FMU’s staff since 2020.
“What you can expect us is a championship mind-set, on and off the field,” Jones said. “I’m from Miami Gardens [where FMU is based]. It’s my belief that if you take care of the community, the community will take care of you.”
In 2023, Jones was named the Sun Conference Assistant Coach of the Year. Last year, he was named the American Football Coaches Association’s NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year. His offense averaged 37 points per game in 2023 and 38 points last year.
Among HBCUs, that ranked third and then second nationally.
Meanwhile, Nesfield was hired by FMU in August of 2021 as its senior associate director for student success and compliance.
He was promoted to deputy AD in September of 2023.
Then, when previous athletic director Jason Horn stepped down in September of 2024, Nesfield was named the interim AD. Horn, who had been at FMU for three years, left to become commissioner of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
That created an opportunity for Nesfield.
“Any time you are selected by university leadership to head a department, it’s always a special moment,” Nesfield said. “I’m incredibly honored.
“Florida Memorial University has a rich history, and I’m excited to contribute to its legacy.”
THIS AND THAT
▪ NSU men’s basketball team has won 74 consecutive home games. The Sharks are approaching the all-time Division II record of 80 set by Philadelphia-based Jefferson University from 1991 to 1995. Overall, NSU is 19-1 and ranked third in the nation in NCAA Division II. The Sharks’ next home game is Saturday at 4 p.m. against Eckerd.
▪ Barry University (NCAA Division II) produced its first walk-off homer since 2016 and just the program’s third since 2000. The homer on Sunday was a two-on, two-out blast by Kendry Noriega to beat third-ranked Catawba, 5-4.
▪ St. Thomas University, an NAIA program, is off to a 5-2 start in baseball that includes a current three-game win streak over teams ranked No. 7, No. 10 and No. 24 nationally.
▪ STU had its first ever men’s volleyball match on Jan. 30, and the Bobcats earned their first win the next night.
