Axman will finish out Nicholls season

Sep 16, 2014 - 9:44 PM Thibodaux, LA (SportsNetwork.com) - Steve Axman will finish the season as Nicholls State's interim football coach until a permanent head coach is hired, the Southland Conference university announced Tuesday.

Axman was put in charge of the day-to-day operations of the program on Sunday after fifth-year head coach Charlie Stubbs resigned over "major" health issues and a subpar start to the Colonels' 0-3 season.

Axman, a native of Huntington Station, New York, also will oversee the quarterbacks and help direct the offense.

"Under the circumstances, this is the best solution that we could hope for as a temporary replacement," Nicholls athletic director Rob Bernardi said. "Steve is an expert in quarterback play. I think this gives us the best opportunity to move forward and have success for this season."

Mostly a college coach since 1974, Axman is known for developing young quarterbacks and high-powered offenses. He brings a wealth of experience after coaching at programs such as UCLA, Washington, Minnesota, Stanford and Arizona.

His proteges at quarterback have included UCLA's Troy Aikman and Washington's Marques Tuiasosopo.

Axman's first game leading Nicholls will be Saturday at North Texas.