Kapono Roy Asuega joins us after serving as the Defensive Line/Defensive Run Game Coordinator at Texas A&M Kingsville for the 2024 season. Under his leadership, Kingsville’s defensive line delivered standout performances, ranking #3 nationally in red zone defense, #19 in tackles for loss (84), #17 in yards per rush allowed (2.8), and #25 in rushing yards allowed per game (99.6). Additionally, all four starting defensive linemen earned All-Lone Star Conference (LSC) honors, with Xavier Henderson and Demarcus Hendricks earning First-Team selections. Demarcus Hendricks received All-Region recognition as well.
Before joining Kingsville, Asuega spent two seasons at the University of Idaho as the Outside Linebackers/Edges Assistant Coach, playing a key role in the Vandals' defensive resurgence. With his help, Idaho’s defense saw significant improvement, reducing points allowed per game from 31.55 in 2021 to 22.08 in 2023, ranking 28th in FCS. The unit also ranked 21st in passing yards allowed (182.2 ypg, 1st in Big Sky), 31st in rushing yards allowed (124.7 ypg, 4th in Big Sky), and 14th in total defense (306.8 ypg).
During his tenure, Idaho made back-to-back FCS Playoff appearances (2022, 2023), advancing to the Quarterfinals in 2023 against UAlbany. He also coached two All-Big Sky defensive linemen and mentored Juliano Falaniko, who later signed with the BC Lions in the CFL.
Prior to Idaho, Asuega was the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach at New Mexico Highlands University, where he also served as the Community Outreach Director. In 2021, he helped the Cowboys achieve a 5-6 record—their most wins since 2012—while recording 23 sacks and 71 tackles for loss. His coaching helped Trejan Lawrence earn All-RMAC First-Team honors, while Victor Villareal attracted interest from the CFL, NFL, and Arena leagues.
Asuega began his collegiate coaching career as a Defensive Line Graduate Assistant at Liberty University (2018-2019), working under Nebraska legend Turner Gill and current Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze. During this time, he recruited and coached Jessie Lemonier, one of the top FBS sack leaders with 20.5 sacks over two seasons. Lemonier later signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chargers before playing for the Lions.
A Southern California native with Hawaiian and Samoan heritage, Coach Asuega earned his bachelor’s degree from Gardner-Webb University in 2013.
