Ashland University head football coach Doug Geiser has announced some changes to his staff. The alterations have taken place on both sides of the football.
Romeo Wykle comes to Ashland from Tennessee-Chattanooga and will fill the roles of safeties coach and academic coordinator. Wykle has served as a graduate assistant coach at Carson-Newman and Tennessee-Chattanooga. He played college football at Tennessee-Chattanooga (2020-23) and Lafayette (2018-19).
"From my first meeting with Romeo I knew he was a good fit," said Geiser. "He just seemed to get what Ashland is all about. Despite his age, he's an 'old soul.' He's got great knowledge of secondary play and excels in teaching, communicating and building relationships. We're fortunate to add him to the staff. He's got a bright future in football."
Joe Nemith joins the Eagles as the cornerbacks coach and director of football operations. If that name rings a bell it should, this is Nemith's second stint at Ashland. He previously worked as an assistant coach under former AU head coach Lee Owens. His association with Geiser dates back to their days under Owens at the University of Akron.
"I've known Joe for about 30 years and coached with him twice," Geiser noted. "He's a good and trusted friend. He's got a good background in defensive football, especially secondary play. He also brings a lot of experience, having been a defensive coordinator previously. To be able to hire a coach with his experience on the 'back end,' is a win for us."
Nemith comes to AU from Wittenberg, where he was a defensive assistant.
Three current staff members will be taking on new responsibilities.
A.J. Nikoli has been promoted from the running backs coach, pass game coordinator and director of football operations to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
"A.J. has done a tremendous job during his short time with us," said Geiser. "I've seen him grow from an offensive graduate assistant, to running backs coach, to passing game coordinator and now offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Being the son of a coach he's grown up around the game and as a result, he's got a good, creative mind for offensive football. I look forward to the vision he has established for our offense."
Nikoli is in his fourth year on the AU staff. He played college football at Tiffin (2017-21).
Garrett Turnbaugh has added the title of recruiting coordinator to his job description. He will continue in his role as the wide receivers coach.
"Garrett is an Ashland Eagle through and through, both as a player and now as a coach," said Geiser. "No one is more passionate about Eagle Football. He will be a great advocate for our program as he heads our recruiting efforts. I'm excited to see him grow in this new role."
Evan Kirkpatrick moves from offensive graduate assistant to video coordinator and offensive analyst and head junior varsity coach.
"Similar to Garrett, Evan has come up through our program first as a player and now as a coach," reminded Geiser. "He's steeped in the Eagle Way. It's nice to be able to reward him with this promotion as he takes over in this new position. I look for him to excel."
Geiser has also said goodbye to three members of his former staff.
Tom Stacy, the veteran offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach has retired.
"I worked with Tom for 24 of the past 30 years and he's a trusted confidant and a good friend," said Geiser. "He's a really good coach and an even better person, a true example of an Ashland Man. He will definitely be missed."
Donzale Ashley, who served as the cornerbacks coach and academic coordinator, left AU for another coaching opportunity. Ashley got his start in Ashland as student-athlete in the football program.
"Donzale will always be one of us, an 'Ashland Man,' to the core," Geiser emphasized. "I had the chance to work with him as a player and as a coach. It's been a real joy to observe his growth over the past 15 years. He's got a bright future in the coaching profession."
Dominic Orsini, the safeties coach and the recruiting coordinator, departed for a position outside of coaching.
"Dom started here as the offensive graduate assistant eight years ago and turned into a valued member of our staff over time," said Geiser. "He did a tremendous job coordinating our recruiting efforts and coaching our young men. What a great mentor and role model for our team."
