OUAZ football head coach Mike Nesbitt

Courtesy OUAZ

Ottawa University-Arizona announced Monday that football coach Mike Nesbitt has officially stepped down from his position, concluding a successful tenure leading the Spirit football program.

Nesbitt accepted a new role as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Houston Christian University.

Since taking the helm as the inaugural head coach of OUAZ football,  the Spirit achieved significant milestones, including multiple conference championships and playoff appearances.

During his time at OUAZ, Nesbitt compiled a 51-14 record, won the Sooner Athletic Conference Championship twice, and led the Spirit to three NAIA National Tournament appearances.

He also guided the team to the NCCAA Victory Bowl and earned individual accolades as the 2019 Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and the 2019 NAIA West Region Coach of the Year.

"It is with mixed emotions that I am accepting Coach Nesbitt's resignation." said OUAZ Athletic Director Kevin Steele. "I am excited for his next step in this career as he moves into the OC and QB coach at Houston Christian University. "

The university will begin a national search for the next head coach immediately.

In the interim, defensive line coach Martin Castaneda will assume leadership responsibilities.