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MARQUETTE, MI -- Courtesy:  NMU

Randy Awrey has resigned as the Northern Michigan University football team’s defensive coordinator. Awrey has held the position for the past four seasons.

“I have decided that now is the correct time for me to pursue other interests,” said Awrey. “I truly enjoyed working with all of the NMU student-athletes and hope I have affected their lives in a positive manner. I wish Northern Michigan University and its football program every success.”

Awrey, an Iron Mountain native, began his association with NMU in 1974 as a student-athlete and was a member of Northern’s 1975 NCAA Division II national championship football team, and was the most valuable player in the title game. 

Awrey earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1978 and a master’s in educational administration in 1980 while he worked as a Wildcat graduate assistant with the football program.

In 2008, Awrey rejoined the Northern football staff as defensive coordinator under former NMU coach Bernie Anderson. Under his leadership, the 2010 NMU defense was the top-ranked defensive unit in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and was No. 9 nationally among NCAA Division II teams.

“Randy has devoted much of his life to Northern Michigan University and the Wildcat football program – as a player, coach and teacher. He has our respect for his dedication, not only as a football coach, but also as an ambassador of the NMU athletic program for many years,” said Steve Reed, interim athletic director. “We wish Randy and his family only the best.”