May 29—The splash hire New Mexico Highlands University desperately needed happened Wednesday morning when it nabbed one of the top junior college coaches in the country to take over its historically struggling football program.
Kurt Taufa’asau, who led New Mexico Military Institute to the 2021 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I national championship and took the Broncos to a bowl game the following season, inherits an NMHU program that has posted just two winning seasons this century.
He replaces Ron Hudson, who was fired May 1 after just one season as head coach. The timing of the change isn’t great since all open signing periods are closed and most of the recruiting for the 2024 season is already done.
“I know it will be a challenging stage of where we’re at but it’s one that I’m up for,” Taufa’asau said. “I know there are still a lot of kids out there who are still waiting and available for their next home.”
Taufa’asau, 33, spent three seasons as NMMI’s head coach, memorably leading the Broncos into the inaugural NJCAA playoffs in 2021 behind then-quarterback Diego Pavia. Pavia later signed with New Mexico State and led the Aggies to consecutive bowl appearances before transferring to Vanderbilt this offseason.
NMHU’s monthlong search for a new coach culminated with three finalists in what was a unique interview process late last week. All three came to the Highlands campus and were put through the paces in an interactive question-and-answer session that was streamed online with viewers submitting inquiries to each candidate.
“That was definitely different,” Taufa’asau said.
NMHU co-athletic director Shanna Halalilo said Taufa’asau’s initial contract is a one-year deal, but the school is working with the coach to structure a multi-year contract that aims to provide a little stability.
“This is a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/highlands-names-nmmi-coach-football-033100008.html
Author : The Santa Fe New Mexican
Publish date : 2024-05-30 03:31:00
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