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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Coach Jesse Ornelas

Jesse Ornelas

  • Title
    Recruiting Coordinator/Linebackers
  • Email
    ornelasj@unk.edu
  • Phone
    (308) 865-8020
Jesse Ornelas joined the Nebraska Kearney football program and serves as the Lopers recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach. 

In 2023, the UNK defense was among the MIAA leaders in the red zone (77% score pct., 55% TD pct.), forced fumbles (eight) and sacks (24) with veteran linebacker Zach Schlager second on the team in tackles with 66. Coach Ornelas & Coach Zamberlin

Ornelas spent 2022 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at NAIA Graceland (Ia.) University. Previously, he had three stints at Independence (Kan.) Community College (2016-18, 2019, Spring 2022), was at Iowa Central C.C. in 2018 and spent two years at both MIAA member Central Oklahoma (2019-21) and FCS member Eastern Illinois (2009-11).

"I'm fired up to have Jesse, known as the "Godfather" on my staff.  He's a recruiting machine that has a wide network of relationships that can help us find tremendous talent here at UNK," said UNK head coach Ryan Held.

In 2022, Ornelas coached the Heart of America Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, quarterback Cade Ross, and the Co-Offensive Player of the Year, receiver Gerald Monroe. The Yellowjackets were among the national leaders in a several offensive categories including passing touchdowns (35) and passing yards per game (328).

At Independence, he helped the 2017 squad win nine games, be Midwest Bowl Champs and place first in a tough league. The following year Indy repeated as league champs thanks to eight wins. Ornelas duties at Indy included coaching the running backs, quarterbacks, serving as co-offensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator and director of football operations.

"Our linebackers will be well-coached and he brings a work ethic that is infectious and wanted on my staff," said Held.

Ornelas was at UCO for two seasons which included the pandemic year. He coached the Bronchos running backs, served as recruiting coordinator as well as the program's digital/social media coordinator. UCO beat, among others, Missouri Western and Fort Hays in 2021. At Iowa Central, he was part of another successful squad as the Tritons won eight games, finished second in the conference and won the Graphic Edge Bowl. That fall he led the linebackers, was recruiting coordinator and DFO.

He began his college coaching career as an assistant receivers coach at his alma mater, Eastern Illinois. Holding a Psychology degree from EIU and a Master's in Education from UCO, Ornelas coached in the Chicagoland prep ranks between 2013-15 on the defensive side of the ball.