Northwestern State football has finalized its coaching staff for the 2026 season, with head coach Blaine McCorkle announcing the hiring of Brad Bustle as offensive line coach and Matt Grim as director of football operations. Bustle, a Louisiana native, brings extensive coaching experience, most recently at Hampton University, where he coached multiple all-conference offensive linemen. Grim arrives after a successful tenure at the University of Tennessee, where he assisted in various operational roles, contributing to their playoff success.

By the Numbers
  • Bustle coached three all-conference offensive linemen at Hampton.
  • Grim was part of the Tennessee staff that reached the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Yes, But

While both hires bring valuable experience, there may be pressure to quickly adapt to the unique challenges of the Northwestern State program, following the departure of previous staff members who made significant contributions.

State of Play
  • McCorkle enters his third season aiming to build on the previous improvements in the program.
  • Bustle's hiring seeks to enhance the offensive line, which has seen development over recent seasons.
What's Next

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Bustle and Grim will need to establish their coaching strategies and integrate into the existing program culture, focusing on maximizing player performance and cohesion.

Bottom Line

The addition of Bustle and Grim is a strategic move to bolster Northwestern State football, potentially ushering in fresh ideas and renewed energy as the program continues to grow and reshape under McCorkle's leadership.