Chad Nice joined Pete Mangurian's staff in December 2011. Nice comes to Columbia after coaching at the United States Merchant Marine Academy since August 2008. Nice will coach the running backs and will assist with special teams.

"Chad Nice understands what we are about to go through in rebuilding our program. He went through it with us at Cornell. Chad was a tough, smart player who loved football," Mangurian said.  "He has worked as a young coach to take advantage of his opportunities. Chad's experience as a coordinator adds unique depth to our offensive staff."

Nice coached the quarterbacks and the wide receivers at the Merchant Marine Academy and in 2010 was promoted to offensive coordinator.  During the 2010 and 2011 seasons, the USMMA's offense finished first or second in most major offensive categories, including scoring offense, first downs, and rushing in 2010, and rushing yards, yards per rush and yards per pass attempt in 2011.

Nice earned his bachelor's degree in applied economics and management from Cornell in 2005.  He was a three-year starter and letterwinner for the Big Red, playing running back, wide receiver and as a kick returner.