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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Coach Nate Willis

Nate Willis

Nate Willis joined the Nebraska-Kearney football coaching staff in the spring of 2024. He served as one of the program's two graduate assistants and then was promoted to full-time status in the summer of 2025. Willis again will lead the UNK cornerbacks.  CB Nate Willis

Last fall, senior transfer corner Kendall Brewer was one of the MIAA's best, having 29 tackles, five pass breakups and four interceptions. One pick was a 88-yard "pick six" against two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner Zach Zebrowski of Central Missouri.   

Previously, Willis was the secondary coach at Heritage High School in Conyers, Ga., for two seasons. The former Kentucky Wildcat defensive back also has had stops at Division III Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2017), ASA College in Miami (2018-19), and NAIA Missouri Valley College (2019-21).

Willis was the DB’s coach at Stevens Point and then was secondary coach and special teams coordinator at ASA for two seasons. While in Miami, he coached Loper corner Terrell Williams. Willis then moved onto NAIA power Missouri Valley, serving as the Valkyries corner backs coach and special teams coordinator. Most recently, he was Heritage High’s secondary coach.

At UK, he was a two-year starter after beginning his player career at Arizona Western. Willis holds a Master’s in Education Administration from Missouri Valley and a BS in Community Leadership Development from Kentucky.  
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