TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Kenny Evans has announced the hiring of Mike Barela as the newest member of the Northeastern State football staff. Barela will be NSU's offensive line coach and replaces David Morgan who resigned his position in January.

"Mike is a very knowledgeable coach and a tremendous recruiter," said Evans, who announced yesterday the signing of 30 incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent. "He has coaching experience in NCAA Division I and Division II, as well as in the MIAA. His passion for the game will make us a better offensive football team."

Barela came to NSU from Southwest Baptist (Bolivar, Mo.) where he spent one year as offensive line coach. Previously, Barela was at Texas State from 2007-2011 where he coached tight ends. In addition to his coaching duties, he was director of football operations and held a similar position from 2002-2006 at North Texas, both NCAA Division I schools.

A 1997 North Texas graduate, Barela began his career as a GA for the Mean Green in 1996-1998. He became offensive line coach at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, for one season and moved on to Sam Houston State as tight ends coach from 2000-2002.

The RiverHawks, 7-5 in 2011, earned a berth in the Mineral Water Bowl which is one of only two NCAA Division II bowl games.