University of Minnesota Athletics

Staff Directory

Dan Nichol
Dan Nichol
  • Title:
    Director of Athletic Performance for Football
  • Email:
  • Phone:
    612-624-6004
Dan Nichol was named head strength and conditioning coach at the University of Minnesota in January 2017. 

He is responsible for the day-today strength and conditioning operations of the football team. Since his his arrival at Minnesota, the Gophers have posted 58 wins, won six bowl games, produced eight All-Americans and have had 16 players drafted into the NFL. 

Nichol joined the Minnesota program after serving in the same role at Western Michigan since 2013. During his tenure at Western Michigan, football student-athletes made significant strides in strength, agility and endurance which positively impacted their competitive performances. Western Michigan was 1-11 in 2013 and improved to 13-1 in 2016. 

Nichol joined the Western Michigan staff after spending five seasons as the head speed, strength and conditioning coach at the University of Maine. Prior to that stint, Nichol was the head strength coach at Dartmouth (2006-07) and Tennessee-Martin (2005).

Nichol earned an undergraduate degree in applied exercise science and a masters in strength and conditioning from Springfield College. He also interned at Iowa in 2002. 

Nichol is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist as well as First Aid/CPR. While still in college, Nichol worked with the Quincy High School football program and youth camps from 1998-2001.

Nichol and his wife, Suzanne, have four daughters (twins Bailey and Savannah and Lylah and Madeline). 

NICHOL AT A GLANCE

Coaching Experience
2017-present: Minnesota - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
2013-2016: Western Michigan - Head Speed, Strength and Conditioning Coach
2008-12: Maine, Head Speed - Strength and Conditioning Coach 
2006-08: Dartmouth - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
2005: Tennessee-Martin - Head Strength Coach

Playing Experience: Springfield College (defensive tackle), 1998-2001

Hometown: Quincy, Mass.

High School: Quincy High School, 1998

Alma Mater: Springfield College, 2002 (applied exercise science); Springfield College, 2007 (strength and conditioning)

Wife: Suzanne

Daughters: Bailey, Savannah, Lylah and Madeline


 
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