CLINTON, S.C. – Presbyterian College Director of Athletics Dr. William Carlton announced Wednesday that Harold Nichols will take over as the head football coach.

“I am thrilled to welcome Harold Nichols back to his alma mater as head football coach,” Carlton said. “As a former Blue Hose quarterback and assistant coach, Harold knows what it takes to be a leader and he understands the challenges and opportunities for PC student athletes. Coach Nichols is an innovative coach who impressed us with his determination and work ethic. I am confident he will build a winning program as we continue to transition into Division I.”

Nichols, a 1989 alumnus of PC, comes back to the Blue Hose family from Bucknell University, where he was the offensive coordinator and assistant coach since January 2008.

”This is an exciting time in Presbyterian College football history,” Nichols said. “I am so honored and proud to be the head football coach here. I look forward to moving this program through this transition to the FCS and the Big South where there are a lot of quality teams and coaches. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us, but our staff looks forward to the opportunity to represent Presbyterian College and the Clinton and Laurens County communities.”

 
The Bison racked up 24.6 points per contest in Nichols’ lone season with the squad. He helped guide the offense to a season-high 48 points in the season-opening victory over Duquesne, 48-42. In addition to his offensive coordinator duties, Nichols also coached the quarterbacks and running backs.

Prior to joining Bucknell, Nichols was the associate head coach and offensive coordinator at Rhode Island beginning in April 2000. There, he called all the offensive plays and was responsible for all duties within his staff. He also coached the quarterbacks and running backs.

After graduating from Presbyterian College in 1989 with a degree in political science and a minor in physical education, Nichols began his coaching career on the Blue Hose sideline in 1990. As an assistant coach, he worked with the quarterbacks and running backs while serving dual roles as he was also the director of campus life for the team members.

In July 1992, Nichols started his coaching tenure with Georgia Southern as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. There, he worked with a variety of student-athletes including wide receivers, running backs, defensive ends, kickers and specialists. His responsibilities included assignment of coaches, being in charge of all visits (official and unofficial), evaluations and all NCAA compliance matters. During his time at Georgia Southern, Nichols helped guide the 1993 team to the Southern Conference title. Twice his squads earned a berth to the Division I-AA playoffs (1993, 1995).

Nichols returned to PC in December of 1996 in the same role he had at Georgia Southern. In his return to PC, Nichols coached the wide receivers, kickers and specialists.

A standout recruiter, Nichols has recruited in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina and South Carolina.
  
He and his wife, Dee, have a daughter, Cassie, and twins, Corey and Cameron.