In keeping with the times in college football, and the philosophy of the current coaching staff at the University of Northern Colorado, Bears assistant coach Aaron Fernandez has a new title this year.
NFL liaison.
“I think it’s typical for most programs to have someone that is an extension and representative for the scouts who come,” Fernandez said late last week. “Phone calls, setting up days. Prospects come through and do interviews with coaches. I’ll be kind of the middle man for that.”
UNC coach Ed Lamb, who will soon oversee the start of spring practice, announced multiple coaching changes earlier this year. In the restructure, Fernandez was promoted to assistant head coach while maintaining his primary role as defensive line coach.
Fernandez said the origin of the liaison title for the current coaching staff is in part a product of the program’s “model of development.”
Lamb has made development a theme for UNC football since taking on the job — meaning the coaching staff works with, teaches, trains and coaches athletes to grow, improve and learn from Day 1.
“We hang our hat on that development,” Fernandez said. “Most teams have an NFL liaison. We tie it into the development model, and make sure we have a track record of representing our guys to go into a future of the NFL.”
Earlier this month, Fernandez was involved in putting together a pro day for three UNC players who finished their college careers last fall: cornerbacks Tywonne Harris and Tizell Lewis and safety Cam Murray. The pro day was run by the Denver Broncos and hosted by UNC.
Great job yesterday&congrats to former @UNC_BearsFB players @TizellLewis1 @murraycam2 @im_hawk21 on the completion of their @NFL ProDay.Great group of dudes.We wish you the best, & good luck the rest of the way. Thank you @Broncos for running the show. #GetUpGreeley #VamosOsos pic.twitter.com/HmYvJmJDM3
— Aaron Fernandez (@CoachATrain99) March 19, 2024
Lewis, a 23-year-old from Aurora, played two seasons at UNC after transferring from Butte College in California. Lewis played 18 games in 2022 and 2023. He was named to the Big Sky Conference second team last fall after tying for third with three interceptions.
Lewis finished fifth on the team in tackles (54), and his 32 solo tackles ranked him third last fall.
Lewis said he, Murray and Harris spoke with Fernandez about a pro day and expressed an interest. Fernandez let the players know when the date was set and what to expect. Lewis, Murray and Harris had height and weight measurements taken, lifted weights, performed jumps and ran for time.
They also performed drills related to their positions on the football field for the three Broncos scouts who attended.
“He’s just one of one and he looks out for his players,” Lewis said of Fernandez, adding the workouts went well. “I appreciate him, and I’m forever indebted to him for the opportunity to follow my dream.”
Fernandez played for Lamb in one season at Southern Utah University. He coached with Lamb at SUU from 2009-15 while Lamb rebuilt the program there. Fernandez graduated from Southern Utah in 2008.
He said his assistant head coach title allows him to be connected to Lamb and an extension of the head coach to the rest of the team. Fernandez said he has “certain aspirations and goals” within coaching to someday be a head coach.
“This gives me a chance to learn from one of the best,” Fernandez said. “We bounce ideas off each other.”
