Tim Rebowe has retired after 10 seasons as the head coach at Nicholls and the program is promoting defensive coordinator Tommy Rybacki to replace him, the program announced Sunday.
Rybacki was Rebowe's defensive coordinator for all 10 of his seasons in Thibodaux.
Rebowe set a program record with 57 victories, including Southland Conference championships in 2018, '19 and '23, and a win over Kansas. Rebowe's success is impressive in its own right, and doubly so considering the Colonels won six games in the six seasons prior to his arrival, including an 0-12 season the year prior to his arrival.
A Norco, La., native, Rebowe spent his entire adult life coaching in Louisiana, spending time in the high school ranks and FBS before settling in at Nicholls.
"I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am to have been the head coach at Nicholls State University," Rebowe said. "My family and I are so very grateful to have served this school, community, and surrounding area for the past 10 years. It truly has been an honor and privilege to have been in this position of leadership. To all the players, past and present, coaches, staff and administration — THANK YOU. Dr. Clune and JT, your support has been incredible. The journey could not have been a success without you. It is time to turn the page and see what the next chapter of life will be."
A Jacksonville State graduate, Rybacki started coaching as an undergraduate in 2005. He was a GA under Rebowe at Louisiana and spent 2014 as the cornerbacks coach at Central Arkansas before joining Rebowe at Nicholls in 2015. His Colonels defense set a program record for fewest rushing yards allowed in 2024.
"Two years ago, Coach and I had a candid conversation about his plans for the future," NSU AD Jonathan Terrell said. "At that time, he shared his intention to retire within the next five years. During those discussions, we talked about finding someone who not only understands but embodies the culture, values, and identity that have made Nicholls a special place. We both agreed there was one clear choice: . Though this decision was never made public, Coach Rybacki turned down multiple opportunities over the years to remain committed to this program, knowing he was positioned to lead Nicholls when Coach Rebowe decided to retire. That time has come, and today, we are thrilled to announce as the new head coach of Nicholls Football."
"Nicholls State University and the Thibodaux community is a special place," Rybacki said. "I am humbled and extremely grateful to Dr. Clune and Jonathan Terrell for their trust in me to lead this program. Under the direction of Coach Rebowe, Nicholls Football has established a proud tradition of success and I look forward to leading this program to its next championship."
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