Southern Utah University Athletics

Sam Lutui returns to the Thunderbirds in 2014 as running backs coach after working in private business and spending time coaching in the high school and semi-pro ranks since his graduation from SUU in 1997.

A two-year starter on the SUU offensive line, Coach Lutui helped the Thunderbirds claim a national rushing title his senior season when the T-Birds averaged 331.5 yards per game on the ground for Coach Rich Ellerson's squad. He also helped quarterback Joe Dupaix set the then-I-AA record for yards rushing by a quarterback (since broken by SUU's Matt Cannon).

Upon graduation he went into private business, working with troubled youth as well as in the music industry.

In 2003 spent one season as a coach on Gary Andersen's staff at SUU before returning to his business interests. He did keep a hand in coaching, however, working with the semi-professional St. George Blitz, then joining former T-Bird Ray Hosner's staff at Pine View High as offensive line coach in 2013.

Coach Lutui is married to the former Amber Black and they have two children, Jonah and Tava.