This fall, Northwestern State University of Louisiana football will see new faces integrated into its personnel.
Head Coach Brad Laird adds two new coordinators for 2022: Campbell University’s Weston Glaser as defensive coordinator and Incarnate Word’s Cody Crill as offensive coordinator.

With the announcement of NSU’s Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian, the pieces around NSU athletics look to be going a step in the right direction. Both Crill and Glaser led their respective teams to outstanding feats in 2021 and hope to bring the same charisma to Natchitoches.

“These are home run hires with Weston and Cody,” Laird said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with them in leading this football team.”

Glaser’s time at Campbell University proved him as a stunning game-changer on defense. Last season, Campbell was first in the Football Championship Subdivision in takeaways, second in defensive touchdowns and forced fumbles and fifth in interceptions and sacks.

“We have a great group of players,” Glaser said. “The biggest message for us is creating our identity as a defense.”

Glaser’s defense was first in the nation with a turnover margin of +12, something the Purple Swarm strives to mirror in 2022. The Natchitoches atmosphere is not new to Glaser who used to play and coach for former Southland Conference rival Sam Houston State, making periodic stops throughout his career as player and coach facing NSU.

On offense, the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals under Crill saw incredible impact last season. The Cardinals won the Southland Conference regular-season title and went on to beat Stephen F. Austin in the FCS Playoffs First Round.

“We want to be fast, fundamental and physical,” Crill said. “To do that and be fundamental, you can’t be overcomplicated in what we do. I believe if you’re really good at a few things, can go really fast and execute it well, you’re going to be able to be pretty good and be able to put guys in good situations to make plays.”

UIW quarterback Cameron Ward saw major success under Crill’s coaching, placing second in passing average per game, pass efficiency and total offense in fall 2021. Crill and the Cardinals were also second in the SLC in scoring offense last season.

The Demons face a newer schedule than last year’s conference-heavy season, grabbing three wins, two against Houston Baptist and one against McNeese. NSU will face Ohio Valley Conference members Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri in the SLC/OVC merger and new SLC opponent Texas A&M-Commerce in November.