TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State football coach Rob Robinson recently announced changes to his coaching staff.
 
Quarterbacks coach Dane Simoneau has been promoted to offensive coordinator following the resignation of Paul Lane. Robinson also announced the hiring of Julian Mendez as the new offensive line coach, which was under the guidance of Lane.
 
"It was a little hectic how it transpired to be able to keep Dane on staff," Robinson said. "He was offered the offensive coordinator position at another school in the MIAA about the same time Paul Lane decided to go back into pharmaceutical sales. I'm happy he accepted my offer to stay at NSU and take over as our new offensive coordinator. He sees the potential we have here as a program and he is excited to help me return RiverHawks football back to prominence."
 
Simoneau is set to enter his second year with the RiverHawks football program. Prior to his arrival at Northeastern State, he spent two years playing quarterback and serving as the offensive coordinator for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League. Simoneau also served as a graduate assistant coach at Washburn from 2012-13. He played for the Ichabods from 2007-11 and finished his collegiate career as the most prolific passer in WU history.
 
"Dane has been a great addition to our staff. Other schools coming after him shows how valuable he is to our program and to this league," Robinson said. "With his track record as a player in this conference, I know he will quickly transition into a great game manager and play caller. Dane has a great feel for the offense that we want to run at NSU and knows the steps that it takes to get us on track to putting up the numbers like he did when he played."
 
Mendez joins the NSU staff after a two-year stint at Ellsworth Community College where he also served as O-line coach. Prior to his time at ECC, he spent three years in various roles at Ottawa University. He was a volunteer in 2010, an assistant in 2011 and a graduate assistant in 2012.
 
"Coach Mendez is someone I targeted from the beginning of the coaching search," Robinson said. "His background in our offensive philosophy and work habits make for a great fit at NSU."
 
Mendez earned a bachelor's degree in recreation and sports management from Ottawa in 2010. He also earned a master's degree in education from his alma mater in 2013.
 
-GoRiverHawksGo.com-