Mike Collins returns to the McNeese coaching staff after a 10 year period away from the blue and gold. Collins is returning in the position of Linebackers coach.

Coach Collins was an assistant under coach Bobby Keasler, serving as linebackers coach from 1991 to 1998, a period under which the Cowboys won four Southland championships and played in the National Championship game in 1997.

A graduate of Louisiana-Monroe, Collins has served coaching stints at his alma mater, LSU and Northwestern State, in addition to his time with the Pokes.

In 1998, Collins followed Keasler to ULM to become the defensive coordinator on Keasler's staff. Collins remained on staff at ULM until 2003, serving as both an interim and as a head coach during that time.

In 2003 and 2004, Collins served as linebackers coach under Nick Saban at LSU, helping the Tigers to a national championship in 2003.

After his time at LSU, Collins moved on as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, LA.

Collins spent the last year as linebackers coach at Kilgore(TX) High School.

Year at McNeese: first year back, eighth overall (re-joined in 2008)

Born: December 13, 1960

High School: Ruston '79

College:
Louisiana-Monroe '84
Louisiana-Monroe '85 (Masters degree)

High School Athletics: Three year letterman, All-District Offensive Guard and Linebacker

College Athletics: Four year letterman, Chip Luffey Memorial Award Winner (given to player who demonstrates :Character, Integrity, Leadership and Dependability)

Coaching Career:
graduate assitant, Louisiana-Monroe '83-84;
defensive coordinator, Ouchita High School '85-90;
linebackers coach, McNeese State '91-97;
linebackers coach, Louisiana-Monroe '98;
defensive coordinator, Louisiana-Monroe '99-2002;
head coach, Louisiana-Monroe '02-03;
strength and conditioning intern, Louisiana State '03-04;
linebackers coach, Louisiana State '04-05;
defensive coordinator/asst. head coach, Northwestern State '05-06;
linebackers coach, Kilgore(TX) High '07

Married: wife is Terri

Children: John Michael and Matt