Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – Northern State University Director of Athletics Nate Davis announced Josh Nolan as the next head coach of the Wolves wrestling program today. Nolan returned to Northern State as an assistant coach in December of 2024, following a stint with Compound Wrestling Club in McDonough, Georgia. He is the ninth head coach of the Wolves since the inception of the program in 1959. Northern State Athletics will host an introductory press conference at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14th in the Kessler’s Champions Club Room. The press conference, which is open to the public and all members of the media, will be streamed on the NSIC Network.

“I am thrilled to announce Josh Nolan as our next head coach of Wolves wrestling,” said Davis. “We were able to move quickly to elevate Josh into this position and I have full confidence he is the right guy to lead the program going forward. The foundation is solid and being able to carry the culture of the program forward and sustain our momentum were important to me as we worked through our process. Josh’s extensive experience in the sport and clear vision for the program, coupled with his ability to recruit and train student-athletes will serve him well while leading the Wolves.”

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the Wolves wrestling team,” explained Nolan. “Northern State University, Aberdeen and all the surrounding areas are special places supported by amazing people and I’m looking forward to being able to raise my family here while helping our athletes continue to push forward and chase their dreams.”

“Rocky Burkett has laid a strong foundation for this program, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to build upon the incredible work he’s done. Go Wolves!”

Nolan spent four years with CMPWC where he coached eight NHSCA All-Americans, one US Open All-American and numerous Georgia State Champions and place winners. From 2019-21, Nolan was with the Silver State Wrestling Academy in Reno, where he produced two USAW All-Americans and one NHSCA All-American.

From 2016-19, Nolan resided in Beresford, South Dakota working with the Legends of Gold RTC International Development Academy. He coached nine Fargo All-Americans, seven Kids All-Americans, two Fargo National Champions, a UWW Junior Pan Am Champion, and U15 World Bronze medalist with LOG.

Nolan opened his collegiate coaching career with the Wolves as a graduate assistant from 2012-14. He served as an assistant men’s and women’s wrestling coach at Wayland Baptist University during the 2014-15 campaign, producing nine national qualifiers and seven female All-Americans. The WBU women’s team placed seventh at the WCWA National Championships. Nolan returned to Northern State in 2015-16 as an assistant coach for the Wolves. In his three seasons at NSU, Nolan coached three NCAA qualifiers and NCAA National Finalists and All-Americans Matt Meuleners and Joe Gomez.

He opened his coaching career at Redwood High School in 2011-12, coaching one California State place winner. Nolan competed collegiately at San Francisco State. For the SFSU Gators, Nolan was a 3-time national qualifier and 3-time All Rocky Mountain honoree. As a team captain in 2011, he earned All-American status at the NCAA Division II National Championships.

He is the owner/operator of Joshua Nolan Wrestling leading camps and clinics in 17 states across the country. Nolan has accumulated over 40,000 followers on his Facebook,YouTube, and Instagram accounts sharing wrestling techniques, tactics, and mental training. He has partnered with some of the top names in wrestling including Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Snyder.

Nolan received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education from San Francisco State and his Master of Science in Sport Performance and Leadership from Northern State. Josh and his wife Theresa will reside in Aberdeen with their three sons Jordan, Jakoby, and Jax.

“Josh is an extraordinary leader on and off the mat! He will continue to build the tradition at Northern and bring the program to new heights. I am excited to follow his journey.”

Boomer Fechko – Associate Head Men’s Wrestling Coach | John Carroll University

“Josh Nolan not only is a great coach but he is a great person and mentor. Having known him just six years very few people have had such an impact on my life both personally and athletically as Jno has. He is passionate in making you a better wrestler, but he is even more passionate and dedicated to developing better human beings. Northern State is getting one of the best individuals I know as their next head coach and big things are coming to the program with him leading the pack.”

Aden Attao – Oregon State University Wrestler | USA Senior Greco National Team Member

“Josh Nolan is one of the best brains in the business of wrestling. Northern State will climb to new heights under his leadership. I am excited to watch him grow as a head coach!”

Nate Engel – Associate Head Wrestling Coach | Oregon State University

“Josh Nolan is a great coach that will work alongside NSU athletes to assure they continue to grow in all facets of their life. He is a players’ coach and will get the most out of his student athletes by leading, by example, both on the mat and off the mat. When you get Josh, you get his entire family, they are special. They are all in and will be there to help support the growth of each individual to meet them where they are at in their own development. Rocky has passed the torch to the right individual to assure NSU Wrestling continues to work its way to the top of the NSIC.”

Jesse Moore – Owner | 1Plus1

“You won’t find a coach that will go to war for his athletes in competition and in life more than Josh. Coach Nolan genuinely cares about the athletes he coaches.”

Cliff Fretwell – Founder | Compound Sportswear