Adams State University

Aaron Tuioti-Mariner (Coach T-Mariner or Professor T) is a Defensive Assistant Coach and Co-Run Game Coordinator that primarily works with the Hybrids & Safeties. Coach T-Mariner returns to the ASU Football program after spending the last 2 years as the Defensive Coordinator at Alamosa HS. During his time at Alamosa HS he led one of the top defenses in the state and helped the Mean Moose reach the playoffs during those two seasons with a quarterfinal appearance in 2022. In 2015, he was the Head Football Coach for Alamosa HS that turned the program around to make the playoffs for the first time in 7 years. 

Coach T-Mariner is a former Grizzly and played under Wayne McGinn and Marty Heaton in 2001 and 2002 where he was an All-RMAC Linebacker. Prior to coming to Adams State he played at Ricks College (BYU-Idaho) in Rexburg Idaho and was a 1st All-Region and 1st team All WSFL player. His first coaching stint with the Grizzlies was from 2010-2014. He was a part of the 2012 coaching staff that went 8-3 which is the best record for the program in the Division II era with a defense that led in many defensive categories in Division II. He has coached many All-RMAC players during his tenure at Adams State with a few that have spent some time in the NFL, CFL and Arena Football League. 

Away from the football field, Coach T-Mariner is an Assistant Professor and Sport Administration Program Chair at Adams State University. He was born in Apia, Samoa but raised in Orange County, California. He graduated from Adams State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration in 2002. He completed a Master of Arts degree in Sports Administration in 2011, and a MBA degree in 2012 with an emphasis in Leadership. He began the first 2 years of his PhD at the University of New Mexico in Sport Administration, but recently transferred to Concordia University Chicago to continue his doctoral work. Coach T-Mariner is also the Faculty Advisor of the Grizzly Sports Alliance which is a student-led sport organization representing The Kinesiology & Health Sciences Department. He is also an NFL Flag League Organizer and has brought the league to the San Luis Valley this past summer. 

He and his wife Melissa have 5 children. His son Lincoln is currently playing football at the Air Force Academy. Malia is an Engineering student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Oliva is a senior at Alamosa HS. Elenisi is in Middle School, and Nafanua (Nua) is in elementary school. 

Coaching Experience 

2023 Adams State University - Hybrids & Safeties 

2022 Alamosa High School - Defensive Coordinator 

2021 Alamosa High School - Defensive Coordinator 

2015 Alamosa High School - Head Football Coach 

2014 Adams State University - Safeties 

2013 Adams State University - Safeties 

2012 Adams State University - Linebackers 

2011 Adams State University - Linebackers 

2010 Adams State University - Running Backs 

2009 Sanford High School - Head Football Coach/Athletic Director

Playing Experience 

2002 Adams State University 2001 Adams State University 2000 Ricks College (Rexburg, ID) 1999 Ricks College (Rexburg, ID)