Nathan Cousin

Nathan Cousin

Nathan Cousin currently serves as the Nickels and Special Teams Coach for the Central State University Marauder Football Program. Bringing over a decade of coaching experience and a deep commitment to student-athlete development on and off the field, Cousin enters his fifth season with the Marauders, having served in multiple key defensive roles that have significantly shaped the program’s growth and discipline.

Cousin joined the Central State staff in Fall 2021 as Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and Safeties Coach. That season, he helped develop free safety Keandre Powell into one of the premier defensive backs in the SIAC. Powell led all safeties in tackles and forced fumbles and tied for second in interceptions. Cousin was elevated to Interim Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator for the final four games of the 2021 season.

In 2023, Cousin transitioned to Linebackers Coach, where he mentored one of the nation’s top linebacker duos—Jalil Lenore and Dom Davis II. Lenore, a two-time First Team All-SIAC selection and HBCU All-American, finished his career with 291 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 7 blocked kicks, and a defensive touchdown over 30 games. Davis posted 79 tackles, 21 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown in just seven games before an injury cut his 2023 season short.

In 2024, Cousin moved to coach the Nickelbacks, where he developed Devin Buskin Jr. into one of the SIAC’s top defenders. Buskin tallied 106 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 4 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, a blocked kick, and a defensive touchdown.

Coach Cousin also worked with standout Kicker/Punter Jose Chaires, a two-time All-SIAC punter and three-time SIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Previous Coaching Experience:

  • Whittier College (SCIAC - DIII) – Running Backs & Special Teams Assistant (2019)

  • T.C. Howe High School (1A) – Associate Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator (2017–2018)

  • Indianapolis Enforcers (MPIF) – Defensive & Special Teams Coordinator (2017)

  • Indiana Assassins (MSFA) – Defensive & Special Teams Coordinator (2015–2017)

  • Arsenal Technical High School (5A) – Defensive Backs Coach & JV Head Coach (2015–2016)

  • Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory (3A) – Freshman Defensive Backs Coach (2014)

  • Naptown Scorpions (MSFL) – Co-Defensive Coordinator & Special Teams Coordinator (2013)

  • Northview Middle School – Defensive Backs Coach (2012)

  • Central State University – Undergraduate Assistant (Defensive Quality Control / DBs / Special Teams) (2011)

Playing Career & Education:

Cousin played Free Safety and Nickelback for Central State University from 2008–2010 after transferring from Alabama A&M. He was a three-time letterman and CSU Team Award recipient. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2012 and had an undrafted free agent tryout with the Indianapolis Colts the same year.

He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., initiated through the "Infamous" Delta Xi Chapter in Spring 2011.