Arnell Anderson was hired as North Park Football's Nickels Coach in the summer of 2026, bringing experience as both a collegiate coach and professional player.
A Chicago native and defensive specialist, Anderson is a fifth-year professional veteran who has competed as a defensive back and linebacker in the Arena Football League and National Arena League, including recent stops with the Oregon Lightning and Louisiana Rouxgaroux. His professional experience also includes time with the Chicago Bears organization and the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Anderson has coached wide receivers, running backs, and defensive backs at the collegiate and high school levels, with previous stops at Maine Maritime Academy, McKendree University, Mascoutah High School, and Davenport University.
As a player, Anderson was a member of Illinois State University's FCS National Championship runner-up team and earned the program's Young Team Defense Award and Honorable Mention recognition as a freshman safety/nickel. He later earned Preseason FAF Second Team All-American honors at Davenport University and All-Conference Honorable Mention honors as a linebacker at McKendree University.
Anderson holds a bachelor's degree from Davenport University and an MBA from McKendree University.
