The athletics department announced the hiring of two assistant coaches for the university’s football program.Charlie Stubbs, who became head coach of the Colonel football team in January, added Chuck Hepola and Keith Uperesa to his coaching staff.

“Both of these guys have coached with me in the past and will have an easy transition because of it,” Stubbs said in a news release. “We are very fortunate to have guys of Chuck’s and Keith’s caliber here at Nicholls. Both are veteran coaches, and have been a part of some successful programs.”

Hepola will coach the running backs and serve as the recruiting coordinator, while Uperesa will be in charge of the offensive line.

Hepola’s recent coaching experience includes serving as director of football operations at the University of Louisiana-Monroe during the 2009 season. Hepola also served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at East Central University for four years and as an assistant to Stubbs at the University of Tulsa for two seasons.

“Chuck coached with me at Tulsa and understands my philosophy from top to bottom,” Stubbs said. “I’m looking forward to a very smooth transition for him into the program here, and I know that he is eager to work.”

Uperesa joins the Colonels after serving as an offensive line/tight ends coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas since the 2005 season. Uperesa served as an assistant coach at Utah in 2004 and was a member of the staff that led the Utes to a 12-0 finish, 2004 MWC Champions and 2005 Fiesta Bowl Champions.

Uperesa also played three seasons in the NFL, one with the Oakland Raiders in 1978 and two with the Denver Broncos in 1979-80. During college at Brigham Young University, Uperesa played football under Stubbs, who was the team’s head coach.

“Keith and I go way back, and he brings a wealth of experience that will be beneficial to the program and our student-athletes,” Stubbs said. “Our players will learn a lot from him. He is a veteran coach that has a tremendous amount of knowledge.”

Hepola and Uperesa began work with the team on Tuesday. The Colonels begin spring drills on March 29.