Garner Tapped to Lead NGU Football
Posted on: January 14, 2025
Tigerville, SC—North Greenville University has named Nate Garner as the institution’s new Head Football Coach, effective January 15. The former NFL offensive lineman moves to NGU from Limestone University, where he was offensive line coach since 2022.
Garner has served in coaching at high school, college, and professional levels since 2018, following a seven-year career with the Miami Dolphins. He will fill the post held by long-time NGU Head Coach Jeff Farrington, who stepped away from the program in early December after 12 years at the helm.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Garner to NGU and are looking forward to how he will continue a tradition of helping our student-athletes develop skills for excellence in competitive athletics and excellence as transformational leaders,” NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., said. “He has demonstrated commitment to using his gifts as an athlete, a teammate, and a coach, seeking to honor Christ with the talents he has been given.”
“Guiding NGU’s football program is an absolute dream come true,” Garner said. “I’m honored to inspire our players to excel not only on the field, but also in the classroom and in our community, all while glorifying God in everything we do. Together, we’ll foster a culture of integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence to honor Him.”
Following Farrington’s departure, NGU Athletic Director Will Lowrey worked with a search committee comprised of athletics staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni to narrow the field of candidates for the position with the NCAA Division II program.
“Nate won the committee over with his experience, passion, and humility,” Lowrey said. “While speaking to people that know him best, they were all affirming of the type of person we were getting in Coach Garner. He’s played at the highest levels, but his passion is in giving back. His journey has uniquely qualified him to be a highly competitive man of faith with an extensive knowledge of the game and a strong network to help in taking the program to new levels.”
Garner will lead NGU into the first season of Conference Carolinas competition, as the football team completes a move from the Gulf South Conference. The Trailblazers’ 2025 season begins at Delta State University on September 6, with their home opener against conference foe Barton College on September 13.
Garner’s coaching career started in a volunteer capacity with the New Orleans Saints in 2018. He also worked with the Arkansas football program in 2018 before becoming offensive line coach at Asa College Miami, a junior college in South Florida. He became offensive line coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in the spring of 2020 and spent two years with the nationally recognized program.
He moved to Limestone University in April 2022 and guided the offensive line to help the Saints average 5,292 yards of total yardage over his three-year tenure.
“I’m excited for Coach Garner and his next chapter,” said Limestone Head Coach Jerricho Cotchery. “NGU is getting an awesome man, husband, father, and leader. Nate is someone who is going to invest heavily in his student-athletes. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see my former NFL teammate and fellow staff member receive this opportunity. I am certainly looking forward to watching his team compete.”
Reared in Roland, Arkansas, Garner played for Coach Houston Nutt at the University of Arkansas. He was a three-year letterman as an offensive lineman for the Razorbacks. Arkansas won the SEC West division in his senior year, advancing to the Capital One Bowl. Garner graduated from Arkansas in 2007 with a bachelor of science degree in sociology.
Drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft, he joined the Miami Dolphins later that year. He played all five offensive line positions over the course of his seven-year professional career.
Garner and his wife, Tiffany, have been married for 14 years. She is Director of Executive Education and Non-JD Programs and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law. The couple has three sons: Colton, Hunter and Wyatt.
Founded in 1892, NGU is a private university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The university’s main campus is in Tigerville, with graduate and online programs based in Greer, SC, and Pine Mountain, GA. NGU’s fall 2024 enrollment was 2,305. The Trailblazers compete in 20 varsity sports.
What Others Are Saying
“Coach Garner displayed outstanding leadership and dedication to our football program. He has been a building block of success for our program and for that I will always be thankful to him. I am thrilled for Nate, Tiffany, and their boys as they embark on this exciting new chapter at North Greenville. I wish Coach Garner nothing but continued success as he inspires and shapes the lives of young men both on and off the field.”
— Dr. Nathan Copeland, President, Limestone University
“Congratulations to NGU; you have hired the right man! Nate has always been one of the most versatile, intelligent, and problem-solving individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. As a player, his size and skill were matched only by his work ethic and football IQ. I have no doubt he’ll bring those same qualities and more to his new role as head coach. The team is in great hands, and I’m excited to see all that he will accomplish in this next chapter of his career.”
— Jeff Ireland, Assistant General Manager/Senior Vice President of Scouting, New Orleans Saints
“Congratulations to NGU for hiring Nate Garner. I had the privilege to coach and be around Nate for five years at the University of Arkansas. Nate was an excellent player and even better teammate. Nate has such great character and integrity. I was so excited the day he called to tell me that, after a very successful NFL career, he was going into coaching. I knew immediately there are going to be some young people that will benefit greatly from the wisdom and example that Nate Garner will personify! Nate will not only be an excellent football coach; he will be a great mentor and a difference maker for young people. Again, congratulations for picking a true winner.”
— Houston D. Nutt, Jr., Head Coach, University of Arkansas, 1998-2007
“I’ve known Nate since we played together 15 years ago, and from day one, he has been authentic, hardworking, and dedicated. He consistently serves with excellence and demonstrates an incredible work ethic. Nate is not only a true brother but also a man of faith. The best coaches are those who genuinely care for their players, and NGU just gained one of the best in Nate.”
— Cory Proctor, Owner/CEO, Pro Capital Wealth Management, Former NFL Teammate
“Nate Garner was always a great teammate and leader at the Miami Dolphins and I expect that his character and leadership qualities will translate into success as the Head Football Coach at NGU.”
— Tom Garfinkel, Vice Chairman/President/CEO, Miami Dolphins
“Home run hire for NGU. Nate’s playing and coaching expertise will make an immediate impact and his leadership will be invaluable. You won’t find a coach who has a bigger heart for helping others. NGU is lucky to have him on board.”
— Mike Furrey, South Carolina Gamecocks Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach
