Nicholls State University

Steve Axman, a native of Huntington Station, N.Y., will serve as Interim Head Coach of the Nicholls football program for the remainder of the 2014 season.

In addition to his head coaching responsibilities, Axman will oversee the quarterbacks and help direct the offense.
 
Known for developing young quarterbacks and high powered offenses, Axmen brings a wealth of experience to Nicholls after coaching at programs such as UCLA, Washington, Minnesota, Stanford and Arizona. He coached several top-flight quarterbacks during his tenure, including UCLA’s Troy Aikman and Washington’s Marques Tuaisasopo. His last stint was at the University of Idaho from 2007-11, where he served as offensive coordinator for the Vandals.
 
Axman began his illustrious coaching career at East Stroudsburg State before moving on to positions at Illinois, Army and Albany State. He joined the University of Arizona staff as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for five seasons, followed by a stint with the Denver Gold of the United States Football League, and headed back to the Pac-10 to coach at Stanford and UCLA.
 
At UCLA, Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman ranked second in the NCAA in passing efficiency under Axman’s guidance, leading the Bruins to a 10-2 record and a No. 9 ranking in the final AP poll. Following his time with UCLA, Axman joined the staff at Maryland where he coached future NFL quarterbacks Neil O’Donnell and Scott Zolak.
 
Axman landed his first head coaching job at Northern Arizona University, directing the Lumberjack program for eight seasons. He finished his career at NAU as the second winningest coach in program history after recording 48 victories. In 1996, he was named Region V Coach of the Year.
 
After a year at Minnesota, Axman returned to the Pac-10 to join the Washington Huskies staff. In his first season, Tuiasosopo was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as he led UW to a Rose Bowl title. Three years later, Axman returned to UCLA as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. His final stop before Idaho came at Montana where he coached the quarterbacks in 2006 for the 12-2 Grizzles.
 
A graduate of C.W. Post in Greenvale, N.Y., Axman went on to earn his first master’s degree from Long Island University in 1972 and his second in 1975 while coaching at East Stroudsburg State.

Axman is married to Dr. Marie Axman, and the couple has four daughters - Mary Beth, Jaclyn, Melissa and Kimberly.