Virginia Union University Men's Football

Entering the 2023 season, Rogers will continue to coach the safeties but has been promoted and will oversee the defensive back room. Also, being promoted to Recruiting Coordinator. The Panthers are excited about the upcoming season and entering with the ranking of eighteen in Division II. In 2022, Rogers joined Virginia Union University as the Safeties Coach and assistant Defensive Back Coach. He was able to assist the defensive staff in achieving being ranked second in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in total defense. The Panthers defense, also ranked first in run defense and the team finished nineteenth overall in Division II football. Rogers, finishing the 2022 season; coached true freshman Donald Gatling who achieved the honor of being named part of the All-Rookie CIAA Team and graduate Rj Roundtree, who signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Rogers, in spring 2021 joined the Apprentice School staff as the Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator. Rogers helped orchestrate the biggest recruiting class that the Apprentice School ever had. Following his season at Lincoln University, Rogers joined the staff under Ark Link at Christopher Newport. During the 2019-2020 season, Rogers coached the Outside Linebackers and helped guide Sean Wilkinson (linebacker) to being voted All-Conference Honorable Mention. Nico Rogers joined the Lincoln University coaching staff for his first season as Lincolns linebackers coach in 2018, following a successful stint at CIAA rival Virginia State University. Rogers was a part of the coaching staff that led Virginia State University to the CIAA Championship in 2017-18. It was his first year having complete ownership of the linebacker core, having coached senior linebacker Brandon Lynch to All-CIAA Second Team, junior linebacker Malik Sexton and senior linebacker Michael Harris to All-CIAA Honorable Mention Team. During the 2016-2017 season which ended with an extra game in Tuskegee, Alabama leaving the Trojans with a 9-2 record for the season; Rogers was the assistant linebackers coach alongside the defensive coordinator Dwone Sanders. There he learned the principles of the 4-2-5 defense. Rogers also worked as student assistant with the defensive line during the 2015-2016 season. In the spring of 2013, Rogers transferred to Virginia State to continue his athletic career after completing two years at Norfolk State University. Prior to attending Norfolk State, Rogers attended Grossmont Junior College in San Diego, California where he played safety and linebacker during the 2010 season. Nico Rogers earned a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Virginia State University.

Monterio Hand is a Norfolk, VA and Winton, NC native that received his B.S. in Criminal Justice at Elizabeth City State University. During his time at ESCU, Hand was a member of the football team where he was named to the all-conference team, offensive MVP and led the conference in receptions and receptions in a game. Hand is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Shortly after graduating, Hand was offered a jump start in his coaching career at his Alma Mater. Monterio Hand became the Wide Receivers/Tight Ends and Special Teams coach at Elizabeth City State University. He held those positions for 14 years. In 2016 Hand had earned another position at Elizabeth City State as the Recruiting Coordinator. Hand specializes in helping ambitious players turn their playing career goals into reality. With his strategic techniques, dedication to his players. Hand has coached All Conference players such as, Chris Carter, Billy Wiggins, Marvin Jackson, Dexter Manley, Reggie Smith, Keith Strickland, Lonnie Davis, Stanley Bryant, Anthony Faulcon, and two All-Americans at the Tight End position, Victor Tabbs, and Karvin Gwaltney. Hand also had players be invited into NFL camps, Montario Hunter (Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets), Reggie Smith (Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers). Hand has been able to achieve numerous accolades while coaching at Elizabeth City State University which include, 5 Divisional Championships, coaching in 4 CIAA Championship games, coaching in 2 NCAA playoff games, coaching in 2 Pioneer Bowl games, and won a Pioneer Bowl Championship. Coach Hand is now entering into his 6th year of coaching at Virginia Union University. During his time here he has helped with the growth and development of the program to reach the best school regular season record, as well as establishing the highest ranking in school history. As a member of the American Football Coaches Association, Hand has gained knowledge on how to develop professionally and personally. At VUU Coach Hand has coached Charles Hall (2X All American), and All Conference players Jaden Reavis and Desmond Smith. Hand has been a servant leader as he has become the strength and conditioning coach for the entire athletic program in 2022. Coach will continue to better himself as well as his Players.