Football
Jay Nunez
- Title:
- Tight Ends/Special Teams
- Email:
- rojelio.nunez@siu.edu
- Phone:
- 618-453-7917
- Alma Mater:
- Pittsburg State
Jay Nunez served as the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach for Saluki Football for one season (2016). Nunez came to Southern Illinois after three seasons at Minnesota under former Saluki head coach Jerry Kill.
In Nunez's only season with the Salukis, he guided SIU to some of the most dynamic special teams play in the nation. Southern led the MVFC in kick return average and ranked eighth nationally. True freshman D.J. Davis was named All-MVFCÂ as a returner after averaging an MVFC-best 26.0 yards per kick return. He took the opening kick vs. Murray State 98 yards for a touchdown, the second-longest kick return TD in school history.Â
In addition to kick returns, SIU blocked two kicks while allowing zero, and kicker Austin Johnson became the first kicker in SIU history to hit three career field goals of 50 yards or longer. Nunez's special teams units pulled off a fake PAT (vs. South Dakota State), a fake punt (vs. Murray State) and a fake field goal (vs. No. 23 Western Illinois) all successfully.Â
Under Nunez's guidance, freshman tight end Jacob Varble started 10 games and caught 16 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown.Â
At Minnesota, Nunez served as the quality control coach for special teams and helped manage the day-to-day operations of the unit. He also helped the Gophers with opponent breakdowns and other tasks. Nunez got his coaching start at Pittsburg State, where he worked with the offensive and defensive lines for two seasons. He also developed game and weight room plans in addition to help with video sessions and recruiting.
Nunez was a four-year letter winner on the Pittsburg State football team, and he went on to get both his bachelor's (history/government) and master's (educational leadership) degrees there. He was a team captain as a senior and was a semi-finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2009, which is awarded by the National Football Foundation and is given to the American college football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance.
Nunez and his wife, Ashley, were married on March 10, 2012. They have one son.
In Nunez's only season with the Salukis, he guided SIU to some of the most dynamic special teams play in the nation. Southern led the MVFC in kick return average and ranked eighth nationally. True freshman D.J. Davis was named All-MVFCÂ as a returner after averaging an MVFC-best 26.0 yards per kick return. He took the opening kick vs. Murray State 98 yards for a touchdown, the second-longest kick return TD in school history.Â
In addition to kick returns, SIU blocked two kicks while allowing zero, and kicker Austin Johnson became the first kicker in SIU history to hit three career field goals of 50 yards or longer. Nunez's special teams units pulled off a fake PAT (vs. South Dakota State), a fake punt (vs. Murray State) and a fake field goal (vs. No. 23 Western Illinois) all successfully.Â
Under Nunez's guidance, freshman tight end Jacob Varble started 10 games and caught 16 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown.Â
At Minnesota, Nunez served as the quality control coach for special teams and helped manage the day-to-day operations of the unit. He also helped the Gophers with opponent breakdowns and other tasks. Nunez got his coaching start at Pittsburg State, where he worked with the offensive and defensive lines for two seasons. He also developed game and weight room plans in addition to help with video sessions and recruiting.
Nunez was a four-year letter winner on the Pittsburg State football team, and he went on to get both his bachelor's (history/government) and master's (educational leadership) degrees there. He was a team captain as a senior and was a semi-finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2009, which is awarded by the National Football Foundation and is given to the American college football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance.
Nunez and his wife, Ashley, were married on March 10, 2012. They have one son.
11.2.25 | Saluki Radio Postgame at Murray State - Cejai Parson
Sunday, November 02
11.2.25 | Saluki Radio Postgame at Murray State - DJ Williams
Sunday, November 02
11.2.25 | Saluki Radio Postgame at Murray State - Nick Hill
Sunday, November 02
Saluki Football Radio Broadcast at Murray State
Sunday, November 02
