UP Gazette

Northern Michigan University's football team has announced the addition of Elijah Fernandez to its coaching staff. Fernandez will take on the role of Running Backs Coach and also serve as the team's Recruiting Coordinator as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season.

Head coach Shane Richardson expressed enthusiasm about the new appointment, stating, "We are excited to add Elijah Fernandez to our program. He brings an enthusiastic attitude, while demonstrating tremendous eagerness to do things right and at a high level. He will serve as our Recruiting Coordinator, and brings a passion to communicate well with High School coaches and prospects to find the best fits for our program. Elijah aligns with our program vision and values, and takes great pride in his work ethic. We are excited for him to contribute to the future of Wildcat Football."

Fernandez joins Northern Michigan after serving as Running Backs Coach at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania for two seasons. During his tenure there, he was responsible for film analysis, special teams scout management, recruiting activities, campus tours, academic coordination, and equipment oversight.

Under Fernandez's guidance at Edinboro, the backfield achieved 28 touchdowns. His group notably contributed 147 rushing yards and a touchdown in their victory against Division I Robert Morris last season.

Before his time at Edinboro University, Fernandez held roles at William & Mary as Offensive Quality Control Coach and at Virginia University of Lynchburg as Wide Receivers Coach. From 2019-2021, he worked as a Student Assistant managing equipment duties at Liberty University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Coaching, Sport Event & Tourism Management in December 2022.