Finau brings NFL experience to the staff. Between 2012 and 2015, he spent time with the Eagles, Cowboys, Jets and Texans.
In 2023, he was the defensive line coach at Utah State University. He helped the Aggies earn a bowl berth into the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Prior to his time at USU, he was a graduate assistant at Utah, his alma mater, helping the Utes to back-to-back Pac-12 Championships and Rose Bowl appearances.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Vandal coaching staff and work with coach Ford and coach
Cort Dennison," Finau said. "Vandal football has a strong tradition of outstanding defensive line play and I am looking forward to working with our talented defensive line room and adding to that legacy."
During the 2022 season, Finau was part of a Utes defense that led the Pac-12 in sacks (2.93 spg) and tackles for loss (6.4 tflpg) and ranked second in total defense allowing 334.1 yards per game.
Finau also worked with the 2022 Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship, working with the defensive line of the Los Angeles Rams.
In 2021, Finau helped coach a Utah defense that led the Pac-12 in sacks (3.0s pg) and tackles for loss (6.9 tflpg) and ranked third in total defense allowing 341.6 yards per game.
Finau also helped Junior Tafuna to second-team all-Pac 12 honors during both the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.
Finau spent five years (2015-19) at Orem (Utah) High School, including serving as the team's co-defensive coordinator for four seasons as he helped lead the Tigers to four-consecutive state championships before stepping into the college ranks.
"I'm absolutely juiced to get Tevita Finau and his family to the Palouse," Ford said. "Coach Finau is a master technician and excellent with the small intricacies of the defensive line position. Tevita is another coach that has NFL experience playing the position he will be coaching for the Vandals. I have no doubt that he will use his knowledge to develop Sunday guys here in Moscow. I'm also very excited about the recruiting ties he has in the Sacramento area. Coach is another phenomenal addition to our staff!"
Finau will be joined in Moscow by his wife Adrianne Finau and his five children Aila, Ahea, Aja, Alcie and Soloa.
