Tech Football Adds Daniels to Coaching Staff

HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech football program and Head Coach Steve Olson are pleased to announce the addition of Jace Daniels to the coaching staff for the upcoming 2019 season. Daniels will fill the role of Offensive Line Coach after serving in that capacity for the past two seasons at Northern Michigan University.

"I'm very excited to join the Michigan Tech football coaching staff," Daniels said. "I've known the program for a long time, having both played and coached against it. I'm very happy to be a part of this great program and excited to be working with an outstanding group of coaches. The players are not only great athletes, but outstanding students as well so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to help them excel on the field and in the classroom. Michigan Tech has welcomed me with open arms, and I'm excited to be here."

Daniels, a native of Escanaba, Michigan, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Huskies staff. Over the past two seasons, Daniels led an offensive line that created running lanes for Jake Mayon who earned Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Back of the Year honors in back to back seasons. Three of his offensive linemen garnered All-Conference accolades during his two seasons. As a recruiter, Daniels covered the state of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan with the Wildcats.

"Jace Daniels is a quality coach and we are excited to have him join our football program as our offensive line coach," Head Coach Steve Olson said. "He brings experience coaching in the GLIAC and experience recruiting in the state of Wisconsin. We look forward to the energy he will bring to our offensive line on the football field and in the classroom."

Daniels helped coach a Northern Michigan offense that ranked second in the GLIAC during the 2018 campaign in rushing yards per game (241.8), yards per carry (5.0), rushing touchdowns (29), and first downs gained on the ground (146). The total offensive yardage for the Wildcats this past season was third most in the GLIAC at 381.1 yards per game.

"Jace is a great addition to our staff," said Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Dan Mettlach. "He is an energetic coach that will bring a high level of intensity to our offensive line group. He brings a great deal of knowledge from his previous experiences and I am excited for our players to get to work with him."

Daniels graduated from Northern Michigan with a degree in Physical Education and Coaching. He was a four-year starter at left tackle on the offensive line for the Wildcats. He was a Second Team All-GLIAC honoree as a junior and was named First Team All-GLIAC following his senior season.

Daniels moved on to the professional ranks following his collegiate career when he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. Daniels was in Tampa Bay for over a year and was an offensive guard and center during his time there. Daniels then played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League before wrapping up his professional career with the Baltimore Brigade in the Arena Football League.

Daniels lettered in football, basketball, and track & field for Escanaba High School and was a team captain and named first team all-conference in football and second team all-conference in basketball.

Michigan Tech wrapped up the year 4-6, but claimed the Miner's Cup for the ninth straight season with a 35-33 victory at rival Northern Michigan in week nine of the season. The Huskies are now on the recruiting trail and making preparations for the 2019 campaign.