Colby Ellis Named as Loper OC and QB Coach; More Assistants to Be Named Soon
Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head football coach Ryan Held announced today that Colby Ellis is the Lopers new offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Ellis is the first assistant coach to be announced by Held who was named the 19th head football coach in UNK history in late December. More staff names will be released in the coming days. The Oklahoma native spent the last three years at FCS-member North Alabama where he was the Lions wide receivers coach. He also was recruiting coordinator for two years and added special teams coordinator duties in 2022. Ellis is no stranger to Nebraska and the MIAA as he was a graduate assistant coach for the 'Huskers in 2018 and 2019 and receivers coach and special teams coordinator at Missouri Southern in 2017. "I'm very excited to have Colby Ellis be my OC/QB coach," said Held. "He's a great coach, recruiter, and family man that will be a big-time asset to the UNK Football program and community." An all-conference safety at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M who then played at Oklahoma State, Ellis also has coached at NEO (2014 & 2016) and Division II power West Georgia (2015). At UNA, Ellis coached two-time All-Big South Conference (BSC) receiver Dexter Boykin with position mates Cortez Hall and Takairee Kennebrew also receiving All-BSC honors. He assisted Held with the Husker running backs for two seasons, seeing current Denver Bronco Devine Ozigbo run for more than 1,000 yards in 2018 and rank 11th nationally in yards per carry. In 2019 Dedrick Mills averaged 5.2 yards per carry, rushed for 10 touchdowns and was on the 2020 Doak Walk Award watch list. "He knows this offense, is very innovative and creative and will get our offense prepared in our culture of DDT!" said Held. He worked for head coach Denver Johnson at MSSU in 2017 after being the receivers coach and special teams coordinator at NEO in 2016. The Golden Norse led the NJCAA in several special teams categories as kicker Dalton Witherspoon set several school records. Next, receiver Brandon Prather set a new NEO mark for catches in a single season and was one of three NEO players at the position to earn a D1 scholarship. Ellis was part of an 11-2 season at UWG in 2015 that included a league championship and a run to the D2 Playoff semifinals. He coached the Wolves cornerbacks and assisted with the special teams with all-league DB Marcus Sayles leading all levels of college football in blocked kicks. As a player, Ellis was a two-time all-league safety at NEO who set a new school-record for career tackles (181). He spent his final two years at Oklahoma State where he was a defensive back, receiver and special teams’ contributor. Ellis helped the Cowboys win two bowl games as well as the 2011 Big 12 title. He also spent time with the OSU strength and conditioning program in 2013. He holds a B.S. degree in Health & Human Performance (emphasis in exercise and health) from OSU and a Master's in Health & Human Performance (emphasis in sport and leisure service management) from Pittsburg State. Ellis is married to the former Hailey Hudson. The new Loper staff is out recruiting this weekend in preparation for Division II signing day on Wednesday, Feb. 1 Meet Colby Ellis Coaching Experience
University of North Alabama, assistant coach / wide receivers / special teams coord. (2022)
University of North Alabama, assistant coach / wide receivers / (2020-21)
University of Nebraska, grad assistant coach / assistant running backs (2018-19)
Missouri Southern State U., assistant coach / wide receivers / special teams coord. (2017)
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M U., assistant coach / wide receivers / special teams coord. (2016)
University of West Georgia, grad assistant coach / cornerbacks / asst. spec. teams (2015)
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M U., assistant coach / linebackers/ spec teams coord. (2014)
Oklahoma State U., strength and conditioning (2013)
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