Joe Nemith comes to Capital with an extensive resume that has taken him through all three NCAA divisions as well as the NAIA, and at all levels he has had success.
Nemith's coaching career began in 1998 when he joined the University of Akron as its defensive graduate assistant. After two seasons with the Zips, he made the jump to Tri-State University (now Trine University) to become its defensive coordinator. In two seasons, his defenses twice placed inside the nation's top-25 in different statistical categories. In 2001, the Thunder finished 8-3, were co-champions of the Mid-State Football Association (MSFA), and was a national playoff qualifier. He was also named the MSFA Assistant Coach of the Year following the 2000 season.
Nemith then spent two seasons at Robert Morris University (Pa.) and again, his defenses found their place in the national rankings. In 2002, the Colonials ranked seventh in total defense (261.6 yards per game) and were number one in pass defense, allowing just 90.9 yards per contest. The following year, they finished as the seventh-best run defense after allowing just 116.1 yards per game.
In 2004, Nemith returned to the Buckeye State where he helped start the Ohio Dominican University football program. From 2004 to 2009, he served as the associate head coach, defensive coordinator and was in charge of the Panthers' defensive backs. In 2007, Nemith helped build a defense that posted a plus-15 turnover margin, which ranked sixth in the country. Behind that performance, ODU went on to win a conference championship and earn a national playoff qualifying spot.
Nemith then stayed in the Columbus area but took over as the co-defensive coordinator at Otterbein University for three years (2010-12). In his first year, he coached All-American Dominic Jones to the Lee Tressel Award for most outstanding defensive back and All-OAC pick Anthony Korpieski to lead the league in interceptions.
In 2013, Nemith made the jump to the NCAA Division II level as Ashland University's defensive backs and special teams coach. Two years into his stay, the Eagles won the 2015 GLIAC Championship and qualified for the postseason. The following season, Ashland led the league in pass defense (186.0 ypg) and was third in the nation in touchdown passes allowed (11).
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After spending the 2017 season at Baldwin Wallace as its linebackers coach and special teams coordinator, Nemith went to Urbana University as its co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach where he spent two seasons elevating the Blue Knights' defense to the top of the Mountain East Conference.
Over the course of his coaching career, Nemith has overseen the selection of 51 all-conference players, eight All-Americans, two conference rookie of the year picks, and one Cliff Harris Award nominee to recognize the best small college defensive back.
Nemith played his college football at Malone University where he was a member of the first team and graduating class in the program's history. He was a safety with the Pioneers and helped Malone to its first playoff berth following its 1995 conference title. Nemith is an Akron native and played football at Akron Garfield High School under Hall of Fame head coach, Bill McGee.
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"I've known Joe for a long time, maybe 16 years now. He is a proven winner and is extremely passionate about what he does. He works exceptionally hard and his tireless energy will serve as a great example to our student-athletes. I'm very excited to add someone of Joe's caliber to our staff."
-Â Brian Foos, head football coach
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