Akao enters his third year with the Jets in 2026–27.
David Akao was named Interim Head Athletic Performance Coach in August 2025 and transitioned into the full-time Head Athletic Performance Coach role in July 2026.
Akao first joined the Jets in 2019–20 as an athletic performance intern. He later rejoined the staff as an assistant athletic performance coach. In addition to his role at Newman, Akao is the owner of NPWR Training, a sports performance business where he helps athletes of all ages develop strength, speed, and confidence. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach.
Akao began his collegiate career at Coffeyville Community College, where he played football and earned his associate degree in health and physical education/fitness. After Coffeyville, Akao continued his football career at Friends University, where he was a two-time All-Conference linebacker. He earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Friends University in 2020. Following graduation, Akao played two seasons with the Wichita Force arena football team from 2021–22.
Akao resides in Wichita, Kansas. His brother, Damien Akao, was a member of the Newman men’s basketball team from 2016–18.
