Nic McKissic-Luke arrived at NIU as the Huskies’ running backs and fullbacks coach after spending four seasons at Youngstown State. He was named run game coordinator and co-special teams coordinator prior to the 2021 season. In 2022, he will lead the special teams units.
Working with a young crop of tailbacks in his first season, McKissic-Luke molded freshman Harrison Waylee into the team’s leading rusher. In 2021 the Huskies had the fourth-best rushing offense in the nation. Led by MAC Freshman of the Year Jay Ducker who gained 1,148 yards, NIU averaged 241.4 rushing yards per game. In his one season at NIU, versatile running back Clint Ratkovich led NIU with 13 rushing touchdowns while helping power the Huskies’ rushing attack.
The Huskie special teams also excelled as Trayvon Rudolph earned All-MAC honors as a kick returner, while punter Matt Ference left NIU with every school record and kicker John Richardson made three game-winning kicks.
McKissick-Luke spent his first three seasons at Youngstown State as running backs coach before adding special teams coordinator to his duties in 2019. Tutoring five players to seven All-Missouri Valley Football Conference accolades at two different schools, McKissic-Luke brings a wealth of experience to the NIU coaching staff. Penguin running backs enjoyed tremendous success during his tenure at Youngstown State.
In 2016, YSU tailbacks Martin Ruiz and Jody Webb earned All-MVFC first team and honorable mention accolades, respectively, and played a key role in Youngstown State’s run to the National Championship Game. The duo each rushed for 1,000 yards with Webb leading the way amassing 1,342 yards, while Ruiz tallied 1,153. Additionally, Webb set the school record for all-purpose yards in a season and was named a third team AP All-American.
Tailback Tevin McMaster earned first team All-MVFC honors in 2017 and 2018. Under McKissic-Luke’s guidance, McMaster rushed for a career-high 1,235 yards and scored 12 touchdowns and finished his career with 2,970 yards rushing at 36 TDs.
Punt returner Jake Coates garnered second team all-conference honors after setting school records for punt return yards in a game and a season in 2019. Senior tailback Joe Alessi had his best rushing season of his career, gaining 803 yards on 136 carries and five touchdowns.
McKissic-Luke spent three successful seasons at South Dakota State helping the Jackrabbits to the FCS Playoffs each year working alongside offensive coordinator Eric Eidsness. During his first two seasons in Brookings McKissic-Luke worked with Zach Zenner, a consensus All-American and two-time first team All-MVFC selection who later played five seasons in the NFL.
A 13-year coaching veteran, McKissic-Luke began his career at Benedict College. He spent five seasons as running backs and slot receivers coach. During his tenure, the Tigers led the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in rushing in 2009 and 2010. The 2009 squad ranked seventh in Division II averaging 250 yards per game.
In addition to his collegiate coaching career, McKissic-Luke spent two summers (2011 & 2012) with the Arizona Cardinals through the Bill Walsh-Minority Coaching Internship.
A graduate of Alabama A&M, McKissic-Luke finished second in career rushing yards with more than 2,000 yards in three seasons (2004-06) for the Bulldogs. During his senior year, he helped Alabama A&M to the 2006 Southwestern Athletic Conference crown.
McKissic-Luke is engaged to Emily Wollet and has a son Nicolas and daughters Georgia and Rylynn.
