Coaching Staff

Darrin Chiaverini - Head Coach

Darrin Chiaverini was named Head Football Coach at Northeastern State University in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience at the NCAA Division I and junior college levels. In his first season, he led the RiverHawks to significant improvements across the board, with increased offensive production, better efficiency on third and fourth downs, and a strengthened defense that recorded the program’s first shutout in over a decade. His leadership has set a strong foundation for future success.

A former standout wide receiver at the University of Colorado and NFL veteran, Chiaverini has an extensive coaching resume that includes roles at Colorado, UCLA, and Texas Tech. As offensive coordinator and associate head coach at Colorado, he helped guide the Buffaloes to a Pac-12 South Championship in 2016 and played a key role in recruiting multiple top-tier classes. His success on the recruiting trail earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top 25 recruiters. Most recently, he led Chaffey College to an undefeated conference championship in 2023, transforming the program into a powerhouse. With a proven track record of developing talent and building winning cultures, Chiaverini is poised to elevate NSU Football to new heights.

Junior Tanuvasa – Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator

Junior Tanuvasa was hired to Northeastern State University's staff in 2024, bringing a strong defensive pedigree to the RiverHawks. He previously served as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Chaffey College, where he helped lead the team to an 11-0 season, an American Metro Conference Championship, and a 2023 American Division Bowl title.

Before Chaffey, Tanuvasa was the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Western New Mexico, playing a key role in the program’s first winning season in over a decade. His coaching resume includes stops at Colorado, Northern Arizona, and Dixie State, as well as a nine-season tenure at Mount San Antonio College, where he won multiple championships and was inducted into the Mt. SAC Hall of Fame in 2020. A former All-Mission Conference linebacker at Mt. SAC, he continued his playing career at San Jose State and New Mexico Highlands. With a history of developing top defensive talent, Tanuvasa is set to elevate NSU’s defensive unit.

Jeremy Atwell – Assistant Head Coach / Special Teams Coordinator / Safeties Coach

Jeremy Atwell brings a wealth of experience at the collegiate and high school levels. He arrived to Tahlequah from Northwestern State, where he served as Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator, and previously held the Defensive Coordinator role at Albany State, leading a top-10 national scoring defense and producing multiple All-Conference selections.

Atwell also served as Defensive Coordinator at New Mexico Highlands, where his 2021 unit ranked third nationally in interceptions and led the RMAC in total turnovers forced. His coaching career includes a nine-year tenure at Nicholls as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, where he developed 21 All-Southland honorees, three All-Americans, and two NFL Draft picks. A former standout linebacker and team captain at Southeast Missouri State, Atwell was an All-OVC selection and runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. With a history of building elite defenses and special teams units, he plays a key role in NSU’s development.

Noah Sutherland – Offensive Line Coach / Run Game Coordinator

Noah Sutherland joined the Northeastern State University football staff in 2024 as Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator, bringing a strong background in offensive line development. He arrived from Cal Lutheran, where he coached multiple All-Conference linemen and helped the offense rank second in rushing touchdowns. Prior to that, he was an Offensive Assistant at Northern Arizona, coaching three All-Big Sky selections while helping the offense rank first in the FCS in passing, fifth in total offense, and top 10 in scoring.

A former standout at UCLA, Sutherland started 23 games on the offensive line while also seeing time at defensive tackle and tight end. He later earned a rookie camp opportunity with the Oakland Raiders before transitioning into coaching. With experience at both the FCS and Division III levels, Sutherland brings a well-rounded approach to developing NSU’s offensive front.

Curtis Chiaverini – Quarterbacks Coach / Recruiting Coordinator

Curtis Chiaverini joined the Northeastern State University football staff in 2024 as Quarterbacks Coach, later promoted as the Recruiting Coordinator as well. He arrived from Abilene Christian, where he served as an Offensive Analyst during the 2023 season, following a similar role at Northern Colorado.

A former wide receiver at the University of Colorado, Chiaverini began his coaching career as a student coach with the Buffaloes. As a high school player, he was a two-time All-League selection and helped lead Valor Christian to the 2016 Colorado Class 5A State Championship. In his role as Recruiting Coordinator, Chiaverini was instrumental in assembling a strong 2025 recruiting class, helping NSU secure key talent for the future.

Manaia Brown – Defensive Line Coach

Manaia Brown brings extensive coaching and playing experience to the program. He arrived from Garden City Community College, where he developed a dominant defensive line unit that saw all of its 2024 players sign with NCAA Division I programs. With over a decade of coordinator experience, Brown is known for his ability to recruit and develop top-tier defensive talent.

As a player, Brown competed at the highest levels, beginning his collegiate career at Nebraska, where he played in the 2002 Rose Bowl / BCS National Championship Game, before becoming a two-time All-Mountain West selection at BYU. He later signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins. With his background in both the NFL and Division I football, Brown is set to make an immediate impact on NSU’s defensive front.

Jonathan Davis – Cornerbacks Coach

Jonathan Davis joined the Northeastern State University football staff in 2024 as Cornerbacks Coach. He arrived from Texas Tech, where he transitioned from playing for the Red Raiders to serving as a student assistant in 2022, gaining valuable experience in player development and defensive schemes.

A standout defensive back at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Davis recorded 142 tackles over his final three seasons, earning First Team All-District 6-5A honors as a senior. In addition to football, he excelled in track and field, competing on a 4x400 relay team that finished second in the district. With his playing and coaching background, Davis brings energy and technical expertise to NSU’s secondary.

Jarek Broussard – Running Backs Coach

Jarek Broussard joined the Northeastern State University football staff in 2024 as Running Backs Coach, bringing firsthand experience as a dynamic collegiate playmaker. He was the 2020 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year at Colorado, where he led the conference and all Power 5 programs in rushing, finishing third nationally. Playing under NSU head coach Darrin Chiaverini, Broussard amassed 1,474 career rushing yards, averaging 5.44 yards per carry.

Overcoming two ACL surgeries, Broussard earned the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2020. A former three-star recruit and first-team All-State wide receiver in high school, he now applies his knowledge and resilience to developing NSU’s backfield.

Sam Fehoko – Assistant Linebackers Coach

Sam Fehoko joined the Northeastern State University football staff in 2024 as Assistant Linebackers Coach. A former standout linebacker at Texas Tech, he previously served as the Red Raiders' assistant special teams and linebackers coach in 2015.

A highly regarded recruiter with strong ties to Hawaii and Utah, Fehoko was named the 2006 Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year while starring at Farrington High School in Honolulu. He brings a strong defensive background and a proven ability to connect with players, enhancing the development of NSU’s linebacker corps.

Rob Castaneda – Assistant Offensive Line Coach

Rob Castaneda enters his third season on the Northeastern State football staff as Assistant Offensive Line Coach. He joined the program in 2023 after a professional playing career in the Indoor Football League (IFL), where he was a member of the 2019 IFL Championship team with the Sioux Falls Storm. He also spent time with the Frisco Fighters and Vegas Knight Hawks.

Castaneda played collegiately at Texas Tech, Ellsworth Community College, and Utah State, earning All-Mountain West honors while starting 26 consecutive games for the Aggies. A standout offensive lineman from Round Rock, Texas, he brings valuable playing experience and expertise to NSU’s offensive front.