Nicholls State names Kent Keith interim coach

THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State has elevated assistant Kent Keith to interim head coach while a new search committee seeks a permanent replacement for Jay Thomas.

Nicholls fired Thomas late last month after the Colonels went 5-15 during the past two seasons.

Keith has been an assistant at Nicholls since 2004 and has since taken turns as the position coach for the offensive line, running backs and receivers.

The university said Tuesday that the search committee for a new coach is comprised of athletic department administrators, local business and community leaders and former members of Nicholls’ athletic program.