LSU co-defensive coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto will become Northwestern State’s head coach after weeks of rumors linking him to the position.
Northwestern State Athletic Director Greg Burke made the announcement Thursday night after Peveto interviewed in Natchitoches on Wednesday.
“Coach Peveto fits perfectly the profile of what we wanted in our next head coach,” Burke said in a news release. “Bradley Dale has been a part of successful programs – including last year’s BCS national championship – throughout his career. He is a tireless recruiter who is very familiar with every nook and cranny of the NSU recruiting base and has had great success signing players from those areas throughout his career.”
Peveto spent three seasons as the Demons’ defensive coordinator from 1996-1998, and said in a news release he’s looking forward to the return.
“We’re very excited to be a part of the Northwestern State family again, and excited about moving back to Natchitoches,” he said. “What a special place it is! Melissa and I love the people there and we love Northwestern State. We had a wonderful three years there and so we are really looking forward to getting back, getting to work and raising our children there.”
Northwestern State and Natchitoches are also excited, Burke said.
“Bradley Dale and Melissa made many friends here during their time with us a decade ago,” Burke said. “They are a perfect fit for the community and campus relations aspect of this job.”
LSU coach Les Miles said Wednesday he supported both Peveto and co-defensive coordinator Doug Mallory’s potential opportunities to accept other jobs.
“One of [the opportunities] is a great friend — coach Mallory’s — and one is an opportunity to be a head coach,” Miles said. “I can’t say, ‘No,’ to those things. We have good coaches. Our coaches are sought after, and that happens.”
New Mexico has been rumored to have offered Mallory its defensive coordinator position.