SIU football coach Nick Hill announced Thursday the hiring of Jay Nunez as tight ends coach and special teams coordinator.

Nunez was previously the special teams quality control assistant at Minnesota for the last three seasons.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in history and government, as well as his master’s of educational leadership from Pittsburgh State, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team.

MORE: Nick Hill finalizes coaching staff

Nunez finished as a semi-finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2009. It is awarded by the National Football Foundation to the American college football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance.

Nate Griffin, who was hired at SIU as the tight ends/fullbacks coach Jan. 8 will now be the running backs coach, a position left vacant when Larry Warner accepted a position at Central Arkansas Jan. 21.

Brent Meske can be reached at [email protected] or at 536-3333