Offensive GA comes from coaching family, was on Ohio staff

Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head football coach Ryan Held announced today that Kenny Zamberlin will be the Lopers offensive graduate assistant and tight ends coach.

Zamberlin is the eighth and final assistant (six full-time and two GA's) that Held has hired since become named UNK head coach in late December.

A former wide receiver at the College of Idaho, Zamberlin had a busy 2022 as he spent the first half of the year as offensive GA (quarterbacks coach) at FCS-member Montana. He then moved to over to FBS-member Ohio in the fall, assisting with the Bobcats offensive line.  

"Kenny comes to us highly recommended from Coach (Tim) Albin at Ohio University," said Held. "He is a very talented coach with a bright future."

Son of former NFL player and longtime college, pro and high school coach John Zamberlin, he also has offensive coaching experience at his alma mater and Meridian (Idaho) High. Additionally, Zamberlin had the chance to be an Assistant Equipment manager for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats when he was a high school student.

At Ohio, Zamberlin was part of a Bobcats program that was the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division Champs, won the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl in thrilling fashion and had the league's top offense. OU won 10 games for just the fourth time in program history with the line blocking for MAC Offensive Player of the Year Kurtis Rourke.

"We felt Kenny fits our staff and is what we needed for our tight end room to grow and develop," said Held.

The Montana Grizzlies also had a strong 2022 season as well, winning eight games and reaching the second round of the FCS Playoffs with the NAIA COI Coyotes winning a 2021 Frontier Conference title (spring season). Zamberlin coached two all-league receivers that spring and a position group that ranked second best in the conference. Finally, MHS saw vast improvement under the leadership of Zamberlin and his father. 

The new Loper staff is out recruiting in preparation for Division II signing day on Wednesday, Feb. 1