FIU Football Finalizes 2025 Offensive Coaching Staff

MIAMI, FL – In preparation for the upcoming football season, FIU Football has finalized its coaching staff on offense.

In addition to offensive coordinator Nick Coleman, who was announced back on January 7th, four new names will be joining the Panthers. All of these newcomers, which is the exception of Coleman, have connections to the South Florida area.

Frank Ponce, Associate Head Coach / Tight Ends Coach

Ponce makes his return to the Panthers after serving as the wide receivers coach from 2007 to 2012. During his past tenure, he guided NFL Pro Bowler TY Hilton to record-breaking seasons with FIU.

Even past FIU, Ponce is well-known in the South Florida coaching scene. He previously served as the head coach of Miami Senior High and Coral Reef High.

His most recent tenure was with Appalachian State these past two seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Benedick Hyppolite – Running Backs

Hyppolite is another familiar face in Miami. He’s been a wide receivers analyst, graduate assistant, and most recently, offensive analyst with the Hurricanes.

In 2023, Hyppolite was a member of the University of Florida as a quality control coach for the running backs with the Gators.

Edwin Pata – Offensive Line

Pata has also spent the past few seasons with the University of Miami, being the offensive lines coach last season. He also spent time with FIU as a graduate assistant from 2010 to 2013.

His first coaching stint was at Florida A&M, serving as a tight ends coach from 2007 through 2010, even serving as the interim head coach in 2017.

Jelani Berassa – Wide Receivers

Berassa comes to FIU after two seasons with Youngstown State as the wide receivers coach, which is also his alma mater as a player from 2009-2014.

Berassa is a native of South Florida and spent five seasons at Florida A&M as their wide receivers coach under head coach Willie Simmons.