Nicolas Auriemma joins the Panthers Wrocław as the new defensive backs coach.

Nicolas Auriemma joins the Panthers Wrocław coaching staff. The American will be responsible for the development of defensive backs.

Auriemma's coaching career has been a steady climb through the ranks of college football in the USA. He gained his first experience between 2020 and 2021 at Northern Illinois University, later continuing his growth at Western Illinois and West Hills College. He spent the last two years (2024-2025) in Ohio, honing his expertise with defensive units. This solid collegiate background allows him to bring a modern perspective on secondary play to Wrocław.

Moving from the homeland of football to Wrocław is a major change. What was the key argument that convinced you that the Panthers organization is the right place for your further professional development?

I felt that an opportunity to coach in Europe was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up and after talking to coach Likins and Ms Karolina I knew Wrocław was the place to be to learn, develop and see how good of a coach I can be.

Before signing with the Panthers, had you ever been to Europe or heard about the American football leagues on this continent?

⁠I have never been to Europe. I have heard of European football leagues though and how much better it has gotten and how its popularity has grown as well. 

It is often said that Defensive Back is the toughest position on defense because every mistake is exposed for everyone to see. What kind of mentality are you trying to instill in your players?

We will play with confidence and have a next play mentality. And if we do give up a big play (which is never ideal) get the ball down, pop up and get the call. As long as we are still playing defense we have a shot. Persevere through tough situations as well. 

Beyond physical attributes, what character traits must a player possess to thrive in your system?

⁠Confidence, toughness, integrity, service and trust. Biggest thing for me is this: Are you a good dude, who’s gonna throw his face in the fan for the greater good of the team? 

When it comes to DBs, which technical aspects do you prioritize or pay the most attention to?

I look for guys with great hip mobility, change of direction and ability to play the man / ball in the air.

Europe is home to many dynamic wide receivers from the US. Do you prefer your players to play an aggressive man-to-man style, or a more conservative zone defense?

Whatever the week calls for in all honesty. I believe in putting the guys in the best position possible to succeed so if we think we can play man, we’ll play man. If zone is the best answer for this week, we’ll play zone. Whatever gets us a Win. 

What are your primary goals for the 2026 training camp? Do you plan to focus more on secondary communication and chemistry, or on developing the individual technique of each player?

⁠First I wanna get to know the guys and their families, and see what their strengths and weaknesses are. Both of those attributes are extremely important so we will stress both. There won’t be one we put over another to be honest.