Phil Nickel was announced as the head coach of Navarro College on March 9, 2026.
Nickel brings extensive championship experience and a proven record of building elite programs at the collegiate level. Most recently, he served as head coach at Dallas College–Eastfield, where he guided the program to remarkable national success.
During his tenure at Eastfield, Nickel compiled a 100–2 overall record and led the program to three consecutive NJCAA Division III National Championships. His teams consistently ranked among the nation's best while producing 13 All-Americans and multiple national award winners. Nickel was also recognized as NJCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 2023, 2024, and 2025, along with receiving the American Volleyball Coaches Association Two-Year College National Coach of the Year honor in 2023.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Phil Nickel to Navarro College," said Michael Landers, Navarro College Executive Director for Athletic Director. "His track record of developing student-athletes, building winning cultures, and competing for national championships makes him the perfect fit to lead our volleyball program."
Nickel brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience. Prior to his time at Eastfield, he served as head coach at Wayne State University, where he led the program to five consecutive GLIAC Tournament appearances and developed multiple All-Region and All-American players. He also held assistant coaching positions at the University of Houston, Illinois State University, and Wright State University, gaining experience in recruiting, player development, and program operations.
"I am incredibly honored to join Navarro College and lead such a respected volleyball program," Nickel said. "The Bulldogs have a tradition of excellence, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes to continue building on that success while representing Navarro College and Region XIV at the highest level."
A native of Richwood, Ohio, Nickel graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He also has a master's degree in Organizational Leaderhip from Eastern Washington University.
He and his wife, Michelle, have two sons and a daughter. Trey was an All-Conference goal keeper at UT Dallas for the soccer team, while Kaia won a volleyball state championship at Seven Lakes High School in Katy. Zack is currently a member of the soccer team at Dallas College Richland.
