After nearly a decade away, Hardy Nickerson is back as the head football coach at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California. The school announced the return of the former NFL linebacker on Wednesday.
The 56-year old Nickerson, who played with four NFL teams during a career that spanned three decades, served as the Dragons head coach from 2010 through 2013. During those four seasons, Nickerson led the program to a 29-17 record with back-to-back Hayward Area Athletic League championships in 2010 and 2011.
Dragons Welcome New Head Football Coach! We are excited to welcome @hardynickerson back to O’Dowd as the Head Football Coach! pic.twitter.com/peaM9JpuMx
— Bishop O’Dowd Football (@ODowd_FB) April 6, 2022
After leaving O’Dowd, Nickerson served as a linebackers coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-2015) and the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. The last time he coached was in 2018 when he was the defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois under current Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith.
The five-time Pro Bowler was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1987 NFL Draft. During his 16-year career, Nickerson also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers.
In 225 NFL games, Nickerson recorded 1,586 tackles with 21 sacks and 12 interceptions.
During his high school days, Nickerson played at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles. As a linebacker and center, he led the school to back-to-back CIF-Southern Section championships. During a 25-game win streak, Nickerson was part of a defense that shutout 13 opponents.
11 Dec 1982, Sat The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) Newspapers.comDuring his senior season, Nickerson was named the Central City Lineman of the Year. On defense, he made 105 tackles with seven sacks and three interceptions.
19 Dec 1982, Sun The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) Newspapers.comNickerson was also named the Most Valuable Player in the All-Camino Real League.
