University of Charleston Men's Football

Michael Tesch will be entering his first season as the head coach at The University of Charleston, his fourth consecutive season & fifth overall on staff for the Charleston Golden Eagles. In the 2024 season he served as the offensive coordinator leading one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. The offense average 43.9 points per game placing 1st in the conference and 4th nationally; 471 yards per game which was 1st in the conference and 8th nationally; & 270 yards rushing for 1st in the conference and 3rd nationally. COACHING HIGHLIGHTS Before returning to Charleston Coach Tesch spent the 2021 season at Clarion University in Pennsylvania. Prior to Clarion Tesch spent two years at Division III Illinois College. Coaching the Blueboys in 2019, Tesch helped fuel a turnaround that saw Illinois College improve from 4-6 the previous year to 7-3. There he held the titles of associate head coach, recruiting coordinator, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. Tesch's offense ranked second in the Midwest Conference with an average of 32.0 points per game, and ranked seventh in the nation in red zone scoring percentage at 90 percent. The Blue Boys saw four offensive players earn all-conference status, including Midwest Conference South Division Newcomer of the Year running back Trevor Smalls who led the conference with 14 touchdowns. Prior to his stint at Illinois College, Tesch served as the offensive coordinator at ASA Brooklyn during the 2018 season. His offense was one of the best in the nation, ranking seventh nationally in scoring at 37.8 points per game, third nationally in yards at 470.8 yards per game, and second nationally at 255 rushing yards a game. Both total yard and rushing averages set program records. Tesch was the wide receivers coach at Charleston in 2017 as well as the team's academic coordinator. He got his start in college coaching at Hudson Valley Community College, where he was an offensive assistant from 2013-17. He worked as the wide receivers coach from 2013-14 before taking over as the associate head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach in 2015-16. In 2015, when Tesch became the Offensive Coordinator he was crucial in designing an offense that averaged 370 yards per game and 35 points per game, which was 13 points higher than the previous season. Both set records as the highest in the program's history at that time. QUICK FACTS Hometown: Albany, NY College: MS Special Education Niagara University 2017

COACHING HIGHLIGHTS In Gibson’s first season with the Golden Eagles they won the MEC Football Championship. The defensive line contributed with 3 all conference players. Robert Owens 1st team, Dyson Yuille honorable mention, and Dylan Stinson honorable mention. The line helped the Golden Eagles defensive unit lead the conference in point per game against only allowing 18.7 per game and rushing yards against per game allowing 106.8 yards per game. He previously served as the Defensive Line Coach at his alma mater Woodbury High School located in Woodbury, NJ for the 2022, and 2023 seasons. In his two seasons they had a record of 19-6. In his first season Woodbury won the first ever NJ state championship in group 1 football. PLAYING HIGHLIGHTS Gibson was previously a two-time All-PSAC one-time All-Region Defensive Lineman for the Crimson Hawks in his two years at IUP. Before his stint at IUP he played two seasons at the University of Delaware where he had one season as a full-time starter and All-CAA honorable mention, and a freshman campaign where he appeared in every game. Over his four-year career he amazed with a total of 44 appearances, 33 starts, 165 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. 2015: First team All-PSAC West, Second team All-Region, Preseason First team All American in second year with the Crimson Hawks. Finish fifth in tackles on the season and first among defensive lineman, with 47 tackles. Third with 8.5 tackles-for-loss. Fourth with 3.5 sacks. He started off the season on pace for a career year with 40 tackles, 7 tackles-for-loss, and 3 sacks through the first 7 games of the season before being injured in week 7 against Slippery Rock. He had his season high in tackles (9) and sacks (1.5) against Kutztown (9/12). Week 2 vs Lock Haven he had his season high in tackles-for-loss with (3). 2014: First team All-PSAC West in his first season with the Crimson Hawks...Started all 11 games on the defensive line...Finished third on the team, and first among defensive linemen, with 54 total tackles...Led team with 6.0 sacks...Third with 8.0 tackles-for-loss...Forced one fumble and had one fumble recovery...Had season-high 12 tackles, with six solo stops, and one sack against Gannon (11/8)...Had five tackles with a sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery against Slippery Rock (10/25)...Had 12 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks in first two games against Saint Augustine's (9/6) and Kutztown (9/13)...Made four tackles and 1.5 sacks against Edinboro (10/4). 2013 (at Delaware): Started all 12 games for the Blue Hens and received All-CAA honorable mention...Finished eighth on the team with 47 total tackles...Had 20 solo stops...Finished with 3.5 tackles-for-loss...Had sack against Villanova. 2012 (at Delaware): One of five true freshmen to see action for the Blue Hens during the season...competed in camp as a true freshman and made an immediate impact...played in all 11 games and earned first start in only his second career game in victory over Delaware State...recorded 17 tackles, including four solo stops...had 2.5 tackles for loss and a half-sack ...recorded seven tackles in a near-upset over Old Dominion...registered six tackles in his collegiate debut against West Chester. Beyond completing his football career in 2015, Gibson returned to finish his bachelor’s degree in construction management through Henry R. Rowan School of Engineering at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ from 2023-2024. QUICK FACTS Hometown: South Jersey, NJ College: University of Delaware (2012 - 2014), Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2014-2016), Rowan University (2023-2024)

Taren Johnson will be entering his first season as the Director of Football Operations for the Charleston Golden Eagles. This will be Johnson’s first season with the Golden Eagles. He served as a Defensive Quality Control Coach and Football Operations Quality Control at Towson University for the 2021 and 2022 Football seasons during his undergraduate tenure. Following graduation from Towson University he served as a postgraduate intern at Conference USA working primarily with football for the last 2 years. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management at Towson, Johnson pursues his Master’s of Business Administration at Charleston with a focus in management. Coaching History 2025 - Present Charleston Director of Football Operations 2021-2023 Towson Defensive/ Football Operations Quality Control Quick Facts Hometown: Fulton, MD College: Towson University (2019 - 2023)

Coach Hopkins joins our staff with a passionate, detail-oriented approach to developing offensive linemen and a proven track record of elevating offensive production at every level of competition. A graduate of Texas Lutheran University, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice cum laude, Hopkins was a three-time All-Conference center during his playing career, laying the foundation for his deep understanding of trench play and team dynamics. His coaching journey reflects rapid growth and consistent success. Most recently, as Assistant Offensive Line Coach at Colorado State University-Pueblo, he contributed to an RMAC Championship team that ranked in the top 20 nationally in total offense. Prior to that, he served as Offensive Line Coach and Run Coordinator at Canyon High School (TX), helping lead the team to a Texas 6A Division II Regional Semifinal while mentoring multiple All-District selections. His collegiate experience includes roles as Offensive Coordinator at East Texas Baptist University—where he was the youngest OC in the NCAA at the time—and as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a 2022 NCAA D3 Semifinalist. Across these stops, Hopkins has developed numerous All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American linemen, as well as players who have advanced to the Division I level. Born into a coaching family—his father, Andy, coached offensive line for 31 years—Hopkins possesses a natural feel for the game and a relentless recruiting prowess, with experience evaluating talent across Texas, the South, Colorado, California, and junior colleges nationwide. Off the field, Coach Hopkins is guided by his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, which serves as the cornerstone of his life and coaching philosophy. He believes in building men of character, resilience, and purpose, both in football and beyond. He is also a devoted husband who adores his wife, Emma, and credits her unwavering support as a vital source of strength and joy in his life and career. Coach Hopkins brings not only strategic acumen and a developer’s eye to our program, but also a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, faith, and family.  

COACHING HIGHLIGHTS This will be Coach Watts ’fourth season on staff with the University of Charleston football team, but his first coaching the Corners. Last season Coach Watts helped guide the Spurs to continued success in helping the defense do their part in a second conference championship. He also continued working with the Kick Off Return team. That unit improved to 20th in all of D2 in average yards per return. In the ‘23 season, UC’s KOR team improved from 10th in average yards per return to 1st in the Mountain East Conference; Returner Tae Marrero returned two kicks for TD’s and was named a 2nd Team All-American. UC’s Defense improved to 3rd in the Mountain East in scoring defense in 2023. In 2022 Nirion Washington was named a 2nd Team All-American and 1st Team All Mountain East Defensive Back after playing the Spur position. Prior to the University of Charleston, Watts served as the head football coach at his alma mater, St. Albans High School in St. Albans, WV from 2018 through the 2021 season. While leading the Red Dragon football program, Watts held a 3-1 record in the Battle of the Bridge Trophy rivalry game, recorded the first ever win over Capital High School (Charleston, WV), and increased the yearly win total in all four seasons. Before his time in St. Albans, Watts served in defensive coordinator roles Sissonville and Cabell Midland High Schools. He compiled a 37-11 record as an assistant. He helped lead Cabell Midland to a state championship appearance, a conference championship, two 10-win seasons, and 4 All-State selections on defense. At Sissonville he coached 4 All-Conference defenders and lead a defense that was top ten in its class in scoring defense. PLAYING HIGHLIGHTS Coach Watts was a member of the University of Charleston football program from 2007-2011. He started 14 games as a Safety. He was named to the leadership council his senior year. In 2009, the Golden Eagle football program recorded a 9-2 record and finished with their highest national ranking to date at 23rd. Coach Watts went on to earn a Master's Degree in Special Education from Campbellsville University. He was also a member of Chi Alpha Sigma student athlete academic fraternity. QUICK FACTS Hometown: St. Albans, WV College: University of Charleston 2007-2011 Recruiting Areas: Georgia / West Virginia Family: Wife: Gina Watts / Children: Ellis 7, Evelyn 7, Miriam, 3

Hunter Becker will be entering his second season as an assistant coach for the Charleston Golden Eagles. He will serve as the team’s Running Backs and Tight Ends Coach for the upcoming 2025 season as well as adding the Special Teams Coordinator Title for the first time. COACHING HIGHLIGHTS This will be Becker’s second season as an assistant football coach for the Golden Eagles. The Golden Eagles RB Room saw unprecedented success under Becker’s first year as Chavon Wright led the NCAA among all levels in Rushing Yards and Rushing Touchdowns with 2,236 yards and 38 touchdowns. Wright led the Golden Eagles Offense as the Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year while receiving Unanimous First Team All-American Selections among 3 publications (Don Hansen, AFCA and D2CCA). Wright was also selected as the Hardman Award Recipient, which goes to the top athlete in the state of West Virginia. Wright tacked on Super Region One Player of the Year at the conclusion of the season. The Punt Block Unit that Becker supervised was also tied for 5th in the Country with 3 Blocked Punts. Prior to his work here Becker worked as an Offensive Graduate Assistant for 2 years at Heidelberg University where he coached the Running Backs, JV Offensive Line and assisted with Special Teams. The Running Back room saw tremendous success under Becker as they produced 2,996 total yards and 37 touchdowns over the 2022-2023 seasons. Becker coached Montavious Yearby to Two 1st Team All-OAC Selections along with a 3rd Team All-Region Selection in 2022 and a 1st Team All-Region Selection in 2023 PLAYING HIGHLIGHTS Becker played for two years at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, where he served as the team’s primary backup long snapper on Punt and Field Goal / PAT. Becker was a two-year starter at Washington & Jefferson College from 2020-22. After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media & Communications at Washington & Jefferson in 2022, Becker obtained his Master’s of Business Administration from Heidelberg University in 2024. Coaching History 2022 - 2024 Heidelberg University Running Backs Coach 2024-Present Charleston Special Teams Coordinator / RB’s and TE’s Coach Quick Facts Hometown: Danielsville, PA College: Washington and Jefferson College ‘22 Heidelberg ‘24

Coaching Highlights Alex Daugherty is entering his second season with the University of Charleston and his first as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach for the Golden Eagles. Daugherty began his coaching career in 2016 at his alma mater, Riverside High School, as the offensive line coach. In 2018, at just 23 years old, he became the youngest head coach in West Virginia high school football history. In 2019, he led Riverside to its first playoff appearance in 12 years. During his tenure, he coached 2 First Team All-State, 5 Second Team All-State, and 8 Special Honorable Mention All-State players before making his transition to coaching at Charleston. In his first season at Charleston as the Corners and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, Daugherty helped coach the Golden Eagles' defense to a historic season. The team finished 1st in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, passes intercepted (7th nationally), turnover margin (2nd nationally), and red zone defense (11th nationally). Charleston’s defense also ranked 2nd in the MEC in turnovers gained (3rd nationally), third down conversion defense, and fourth down conversion defense — cementing its status as one of the top defensive units in the country. Education Daugherty is a 2018 graduate of Marshall University, earning a degree in Wellness Education with a minor in Exercise Science and Dietetics, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He completed his Master’s in Special Education from Walden University in 2019. Quick Facts Hometown: Belle, West Virginia College: Marshall University (B.S., 2018), Walden University (M.Ed., 2019)