While he might be new in his position, Niemi has a whole lot of experience with the school’s athletics, in particular the football program.

He had been the varsity team’s defense coordinator for the past three years under longtime head coach Paul Jacobson, and before that, had been the freshman football coach.

And he still is the freshman boys basketball coach for the Miners, which he is at least planning to stay in that position for now.

And none of that includes that he is a 1997 graduate of Negaunee High School, playing football for the only other head coach the Miners’ program has had since the late 1960s, the late Richard “Dick” Koski.

Negaunee’s Broc Bonovetz gains several yards before being tackled by Westwood defender Louis Salmi during their high school game played at the Patriots’ field in Ishpeming on Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

“I have to admit it’s a little daunting coming into a program where there’s only been two coaches over the last 58 years,” Niemi said in a phone interview on Sunday, “and that’s two highly successful, Hall of Fame coaches, too.

“But I figured I had better jump at this chance, because I don’t know if I’d ever have another chance at it.

“To know all about this program’s history, I think that it’s good pressure, though.”

Things are never easy in the always rough-and-tumble West PAC, which includes all of the former Mid-Peninsula Conference teams, not to mention several key members of the former football part of the Great Northern Conference.

This might be a year to make inroads, however, with Kingsford losing some skill players, much like these Miners, and only Menominee really looking like a powerhouse after its state playoff run in Division 7 a year ago.

Negaunee’s Jack Jarvi, top right, reacts to a fumble recovery during a West PAC game played against Houghton at Miner Stadium in Negaunee on Oct. 18, 2024. Also reacting to the play are teammates David Carlson, left, and Aidan Andrews. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

“Menominee, when you look at what they’re retaining, their skill positions, they’re loaded there,” Niemi said. “And Westwood has Ethan Marta (at quarterback), he’s a real dynamic athlete.”

And don’t forget Marquette, which comes back on Negaunee’s schedule after eight years off.

They’re easily the largest school on the Miners’ schedule, a Division 3 program where no other opponent is larger than Division 5 as Negaunee itself is also in Division 5.

“I’m hearing from some guys I know that people both here and in Marquette are really excited to see this rivalry come back,” Niemi said.

Marquette, which looks like it will try to run more of a spread offense, contrasts sharply with schools like Calumet, which has generally played more tight formations, much like the Miners.

Negaunee huddles up in the first quarter, setting up a play that would result in a touchdown a few plays later during a high school game played against Westwood at the Patriots’ stadium in Ishpeming on Oct. 4, 2024. (Journal file photo)

“We start with a 42 formation (on defense), and we can get into different fronts with all the wide variety of offenses we’ll see,” the Negaunee coach said.

The Miners’ offense itself will likely undergo some changes this season after the graduation of three-year starting quarterback Ty Jacobson.

Uncle Paul Jacobson’s calls had morphed into as much of a passing offense as he’d probably ever presented due to the younger Jacobson’s skill and experience at the position.

While new starter, junior Kyle Waterman, was last year’s JV QB, even if the younger Jacobson had been able to come back, the passing game might’ve been reined in a bit this year.

“We lost three pretty talented receivers,” Niemi said. “We’ve got some talented guys, guys who are pretty athletic, and a lot of linemen back.”

So he wouldn’t predict or make it known to prospective opponents, but wouldn’t be surprised if the Miners’ offense returns to its more traditional run-first and run-often roots.

“Kyle is a pretty good athlete, and he shouldn’t be nervous, or the lights shouldn’t be too bright for him — he’s been on the varsity (boys) basketball team since he was a freshman,” Niemi said. “He’s a competitor. He’s capable of throwing the ball, but there’s no reason not to feature him in the run game, too.”

He mentioned that senior Owen Cardinal will be the backup QB, a position he played some when he was a JV.

The running game is led by a trio of seniors, with the most experienced on varsity being Broc Bonovetz, a tailback who split starting time as a back last season.

Marshall Peters also got some time on the field as backup fullback in 2024, while senior Matthew Ulvila will be the third tine of the running “fork” in the Negaunee backfield.

What the pass-catching corps lacks in varsity experience it will make up in depth, as Niemi has choices at receiver that include Cardinal and senior Derek McEachern, along with juniors Evan DellAngelo, Brayden Gleason and Max Frustaglio.

“That DellAngelo, he’s a pretty good athlete,” Niemi interjected.

At tight end, which can involve both blocking and pass catching, will be senior Aidan Steele and junior David Juchemich.

“Steele saw quite a bit of playing time last year, and David has really come on, particularly with his blocking,” Niemi said.

Allowing all of that to work for the Miners is a senior-loaded offensive line, including three full-time starters who return — senior tackle Ethan Gauthier and senior guards Jack Jarvi and Braylon Hakkarinen.

Meanwhile, senior tackle Nash Barabe came into the starting lineup late in the season and is expected there this campaign, too.

At the fifth line spot, ostensibly at center, are likely one of a pair of juniors — Josh DuBord or Mason Sandy.

“What I’m looking for are the five best players to make up the line, regardless of what position they’re listed at,” Niemi said.

The defense will probably start “a lot of the same characters as on offense,” according to the coach.

That includes Gauthier, Barabe, Hakkarinen and either Sandy or Ulvila on the line.

Linebacker is still a bit under construction, though he sees Steele and Jarvi leading the way on the inside and Bonovetz, Peters and Juchemich on the outside. Those guys could easily transition to the line or secondary as opposing offenses dictate.

And in the secondary would be all the receivers, including Cardinal, McEachern, DellAngelo, Gleason and Frustaglio, along with Waterman.

“There’s a lot of competition there,” Niemi said.

Cardinal looks to be punter and kicker, including handling both kickoffs and extra points, while DellAngelo, Bonovetz and Ulvila are being eyed as kick and punt returners.

Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.