He played college football at Florida State and previously coached at Southern Miss and Louisville.
A two-year starter at middle linebacker for the Seminoles, Nicholson led Florida State in tackles during his junior and senior season.
[2] After not being selected in the 2009 NFL draft, Nicholson was signed by the Atlanta Falcons and participated in their mini-camp.
[5] However, in February 2023 Nicholson would be named the linebacker coach at Miami (FL) after Charlie Strong vacated the position.
[6] Nicholson attended Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.