University of Texas - El Paso Men's Football

Scotty Walden, native Texan and one of the most dynamic young head coaches in the country, was named UTEP Football’s 27th head coach on Dec. 4, 2023. Walden finished his second season at the helm with 11 Miners earning All-Conference USA recognition. Micah Davey was named first team All-CUSA and Kenny Odom earned second team honors. Davey racked up a conference-best 131 tackles in 12 games (11 starts) played at the linebacker position. In FBS, Davey finished eighth in total tackles and fifth in tackles per game (10.9). Davey added 9.0 tackles for loss, a sack, three hurries and a fumble recovery. Odom led the Miners and ranked first in CUSA with 5.6 receptions per game and was third with 62 total catches. Odom tallied 582 yards and six touchdown receptions.    Mark Robinson, KD Johnson, Udoka Eeani and Josh Hancock earned honorable recognition. Robinson started in all 12 games at the left tackle position. Johnson started all 12 games on the defensive tackle position, leading all CUSA DT/NTs in tackles (60), TFLs (12.0) and sacks (3.5). Ezeani started in all 12 games at the bandit position and piled up 45 tackles with 10.0 TFLs. Hancock played in all 12 games as the team’s starting long snapper, adding four tackles.   Ashten Emory, Wondame Davis Jr., Josh Schuchts, Elijah Baldwin and Nik Henry were named to the 2025 CUSA All-Freshman team. Emory started in eight of 12 games and led the Miners with 569 rushing yards and scored six total touchdowns (four rush, two rec.). Davis Jr. started in six of 11 games and ranked second in FBS in yards per catch (23.5 avg.). Davis Jr. finished with 610 yards on 26 receptions and six touchdowns. Schuchts started in seven of eight games played at tight end, tallying 232 yards on 21 receptions (11.0 avg.) and three touchdowns. Baldwin played in all 12 games, recording 25 tackles with 3.5 sacks. Henry played in eight games, returning 13 kickoffs for 166 yards and four punts for 47 yards.    The Miners defeated UT Martin 42-17 on Sept. 6, in the Sun Bowl. UTEP rushed for 194 yards on 25 attempts (7.8 avg.) and two touchdowns, while throwing for 278 yards and four touchdowns. Odom tallied 124 yards on five catches with a TD, while Toric Goins Jr. hit 105 on three receptions and a score. Hahsaun Wilson rushed for 117 yards, including a program-record 94-yard touchdown rush.    UTEP also won at Sam Houston, 35-17, on Oct. 15, on the CBS Sports Network. Emory rushed for 96 yards and a TD. Skyler Locklear ran for 48 yards and two scores while throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Odom hauled in a career-high 10 receptions for 67 yards and a score. Davey racked up 14 tackles, while Johnson tied his career best with eight tackles. Freshman linebacker Vashon Brunswick II recorded five stops with a sack.    Overall, the Miners’ "Blue Blaze" offense averaged over 23 points and 331 yards. Skyler Locklear, who started the last seven games (playing in nine total), led the way with 13 touchdown passes and eight rushing touchdowns. Locklear's eight rushing scores are a program record by a UTEP QB. His 21 TDs accounted for were the most by a UTEP QB since 2010.    Neil Campbell, who started in nine games, was named to the 2025 CUSA Football All-Academic Team. Campbell boasted a perfect 4.0 GPA while studying nonprofit administration.    On the defensive side of the ball, the “Orange Swarm” registered 28 sacks, ranking tied for third in CUSA. The Miners’ 195 sack yards led the league. UTEP ranked second in the conference and was t-19th in FBS with 86 tackles for loss, while its 7.2 TFL/game was first in CUSA and 10th nationally.  The Miners won two of the last three games to conclude Walden’s first season at the helm in 2024. Walden chalked up his first victory with the Orange and Blue on Oct. 16 when the Miners defeated FIU, 30-21, in the Sun Bowl. UTEP also defeated Kennesaw State, 43-35, in double overtime, while the Miners concluded the 2024 season with a come-from-behind victory at NM State, 42-35, in the 101st Battle of I-10 on Nov. 30.   In its three victories, UTEP’s “Blue Blaze” offense averaged 38+ points per game and over 374 yards of total offense. Offensively, multiple players, who transferred from Austin Peay (Walden’s previous school), were team leaders in specific statistical categories. Jevon Jackson gained a team-high 754 yards on the ground with six total touchdowns (four rush, two rec.). Jackson ranked sixth in CUSA in rushing yards. Kam Thomas, who was a 2024 All-CUSA first team special teams player, was the team leader in punt returns on wefense. He ranked second in CUSA with 200 yards on 10 returns (20.0 avg.), including a long return of 93 yards for a TD at NM State. Thomas was one of two players in CUSA to return a punt for a score. Thomas also grabbed 47 receptions - tied for the team lead with Trey Goodman. Goodman tallied 469 yards receiving. Goodman set career highs in receptions (12) and receiving yards (150) during the Miners’ win against Kennesaw State. Goodman caught all 12 balls that were thrown his way. Kenny Odom, a 2024 All-CUSA second team selection, led the way with 741 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Odom ranked second in CUSA in receiving scores (eight) and sixth in yards per reception (16.1 avg.). Odom’s eight touchdown receptions were the most by a Miner since 2016. Odom recorded a season-best 128 yards on seven receptions with a pair of touchdowns at Colorado State. Odom racked up a career-best three touchdown receptions against Kennesaw State. He tallied 108 yards on eight catches against the Owls.   Skyler Locklear also followed Walden from APU. Locklear threw for 1,583 yards on 148-of-233 passing and 10 touchdowns in 10 games. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes, ranking fourth on the program’s top 10 single-season list. Locklear added 237 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while also tallying 32 yards on three catches and a score. Locklear pulled a trifecta when he became the first FBS player since 2015 to throw a touchdown, rush for a touchdown and record a receiving touchdown in a single game. The feat was achieved against SUU when Locklear threw a five-year touchdown pass early in the first quarter and followed with a five-yard rushing score at the end of the first. Locklear then hauled in a four-year touchdown pass from Jaden Smith that tied the ball game at 24 apiece with no time left on the clock. Locklear ended the game, throwing for 295 yards on 22-of-29 passing (75.9 percent). Locklear put up career numbers during UTEP’s win over KSU, throwing for a career-high 327 yards on a career-best 28 completions (33 attempts) with a career-most four touchdown passes. It was the most touchdown passes by a UTEP quarterback since 2014, while Locklear’s 84.8 completion percentage was the third-best in program history.    On defense, the “Orange Swarm” racked up CUSA-highs in sacks (36) and tackles for loss (87). The Miners ranked tied for 20th in FBS in total sacks and tied for 11th in sacks per game (3.0). UTEP’s 7.3 TFLs per game ranked first in CUSA and 13th in FBS. The defense scored three touchdowns, ranking tied for 12th in FBS and first in CUSA. Kory Chapman returned a fumble for the score against Sam Houston, while Bryon Thompson scored a pair of touchdowns on fumble recoveries at NM State. Another defensive highlight in 2024 was the defense intercepting four passes in the victory over FIU. It was the most since picking off four passes at Tulane in 2011, and the most INTs by the defense in the Sun Bowl since 2008 (vs. SMU). The Miners’ 11 interceptions were the most since the 2014 season. Maurice Westmoreland, an All-CUSA first team player, led the team and CUSA with 8.0 sacks. Kyran Duhon, who was named All-CUSA second team and the All-Freshman team, ranked second on the team and CUSA with 7.0 sacks. Duhon’s sack total was the most by a UTEP freshman since 1990. KD Johnson picked up 3.5 sacks (third most on the team) from the interior defensive line. Linebacker Dorian Hopkins paced the defense with 87 tackles. Chapman, Hopkins, Amier Boyd-Matthews and Lantz Russell each intercepted two passes.    In the classroom, the UTEP football program set a school record with its 3.2 GPA following Walden’s first year at the helm. Locklear and Johnson were named to the 2024 CUSA All-Academic Team on Nov. 22. Johnson, a senior defensive tackle, posted a 3.60 GPA in nursing, while Locklear worked towards a 3.83 GPA in business. Overall, 60 football players were named to the 2024-25 CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll (3.0 GPA or higher), while 16 of them were also named 2024-25 CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Medalists (3.75 GPA or higher).  Walden joined the Miners after four seasons as the head coach at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. In 2023, he led the Governors to a 9-3 record, a perfect 6-0 mark in the United Athletic Conference, and a no. 13 FCS national ranking. It marked the first undefeated conference season in school history. He was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented by FedEx Ground and Stats Perform to the FCS National Coach of the Year.  Austin Peay has won four conference titles since 1977 – with two coming under Walden’s watch. He is the only coach to lead Austin Peay to two conference championships. The Cleburne, Texas, native led the Governors to a 26-14 mark with four winning seasons (4-2 in COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign, 6-5 in 2021, 7-4 in 2022, 9-3 in 2023). The Governors hadn’t enjoyed back-to-back winning campaigns since 1983-84 prior to Walden’s arrival. His career head coaching record is 34-20, including 7-3 in one season heading up the program at East Texas Baptist University in 2016. Walden was also interim head coach at Southern Miss for four games in 2020. The 2023 Austin Peay squad ranked fourth nationally in passing efficiency (162.17), ninth in scoring offense (34.1 ppg), 11th in passing completion percentage (.667), 13th in passing offense (274.1 ypg) and 15th in total offense (426.8 ypg). The Governors set school records for scoring offense, total offense and passing offense. Austin Peay also rated seventh in the country in third down conversion defense with a stingy .303 percentage, and the Governors’ three defensive touchdowns ranked 12th nationally. Austin Peay’s special teams unit was equally stellar, leading the country in punt returns with a 21.3-yard average. Austin Peay rattled off a school-record nine consecutive wins after opening the season 0-2, including a 30-13 setback at then-ninth ranked Tennessee on Sept. 9. Playing before over 100,000 hostile fans, the Governors were tied with the Vols, 6-6, shortly before halftime and trailed by 10 points (23-13) midway through the fourth quarter. In 2022, Walden led the Governors to the third conference title in program history. Austin Peay was the top defense in the ASUN Conference, ranking fourth in the FCS in third down conversion percentage defense (.308), 12th in total defense (317.2 ypg), 19th in passing defense (188.7 ypg) and 20th in rushing defense (128.5 ypg). Offensively, Austin Peay averaged 202.3 rushing yards and 243.3 passing yards per game, marking the first time in program history that the Governors averaged 200-plus rushing and passing yards per game in the same season. In 2021, the Governors tied a school record with seven First Team All-OVC selections and 14 total All-OVC picks. While at Austin Peay, Walden has coached four consensus All-America honorees – Kordell Jackson (2020), DeAngelo Wilson (2020), Johnathon Edwards (2021) and Koby Perry (2021). Bucky Williams was an American Football Coaches Association Second Team All-American and a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American in 2020. Draylen Ellis and Terrell Allen received Sophomore All-America honors in 2021. Drae McCray was also tabbed a HERO Sports All-America in 2021. Walden has also coached 28 All-Conference players and four league All-Newcomer selections during his time at Austin Peay. His teams have also excelled academically.  In five of six semesters since Walden’s arrival, the Governors posted a 3.0 cumulative team grade point average, including a program record 3.28 GPA during the spring 2022 semester. The Governors also claimed the 2020-21 and 2021-22 OVC Team Academic Achievement Awards. After joining the Southern Miss staff as wide receivers coach in 2017, he was promoted to co-offensive coordinator for the 2019 season. In 2019, the American Football Coaches Association tabbed Walden as a Top 35 coach under 35 years of age. He coached first team All-Conference USA selection wideout Quez Watkins, who led the league with 64 catches and 1,178 receiving yards (17th in the FBS). Watkins’ 107.1 receiving yards per game also ranked sixth in the FBS. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by Philadelphia, and has appeared in 45 games for the Eagles with 23 starts since then. Walden took over for Jay Hopson as interim head coach at Southern Miss in September of 2020, and was hired by Austin Peay as head coach shortly thereafter. Walden was the youngest head coach in the NCAA (26 years old) at the time of his hiring at East Texas Baptist. He directed the Tigers to a national ranking in a school-record nine consecutive weeks, climbing as high as no. 15. East Texas Baptist also generated the no. 1 scoring offense (49.9 points per game) for all levels of the NCAA and the no. 2 total offense in Division III (school-record 564.3 yards per game). Walden was offensive coordinator at East Texas Baptist for three years (2013-15) prior to being elevated to head coach. In his time as an assistant, ETBU football players broke a combined 26 individual and team records. One of his protégés was wide receiver Jamaine Sherman, a first team All-Conference honoree who became the first player in school history to sign an NFL contract with the St. Louis Rams in 2014. He got his start in coaching at his alma mater, Sul Ross State, serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the 2012 season. His team broke 16 offensive school records in 2012, including most yards in a game (800) and points in a game (75). The Lobos ranked no. 1 in Division III in total offense (581.9 ypg), no. 2 in first downs (271), no. 3 in scoring offense (48.8 ppg), no. 9 in passing efficiency (164.30), no. 11 in passing offense (333 ypg) and no. 19 in rushing offense (248.9 ypg). Walden coached six All-Conference players, two D3football.com All-Americans and one Beyond Sports Network All-American. He began his college playing days at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa (2008), where he was named the starting quarterback as a freshman. His career continued at Hardin-Simmons University (2009-10), where he doubled as a quarterback and defensive back, before concluding at Sul Ross State as a quarterback and team captain in 2011. He earned his Bachelor of History, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Sul Ross State in 2012. He added a Master of Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude, from Sul Ross State in 2014. Walden and his wife, Callie have two sons, Luca and Maverick. SEASON SCHOOL OVERALL W-L CONF. W-L 2016 East Texas Baptist 7-3 3-3 (4th) 2020 Southern Miss 1-3 1-1 2020-21 Austin Peay 4-2 4-2 (3rd) 2021 Austin Peay 6-5 4-2 (t-2nd 2022 Austin Peay 7-4 3-2 (t-1st) 2023 Austin Peay 9-3 6-0 (1st) 2024 UTEP 3-9 3-5 (7th) 2025 UTEP 2-10 1-6 (11th) TOTALS 39-39 25-21 What They’re Saying About Scotty Walden   “Scotty is one of the brightest offensive minds in the sport today.  He is a proven winner everywhere he’s been, and it’s truly incredible how much he has already accomplished at such a young age.  UTEP hit a home run with this one, and I can’t wait to watch him get it rolling out there.” Kliff Kingsbury USC Senior Offensive Analyst “Coach Walden is the best head coach in college football, hands down.  He’s the only coach that truly believed in me and there’s no other man I’d want to go into battle with.  I can’t wait to watch him throughout his career.  UTEP is a lucky school.” Mike DiLiello Austin Peay Quarterback Walter Payton Award finalist “UTEP hired the right coach to bring life back to their football program.  Coach Walden’s passion for football and care for his players is a combo that is going to pay big dividends for UTEP Football.  I look forward to watching him, his staff, and his team get the Sun Bowl rocking again!” Thad Fortune  Midland High School Football Coach “Scotty Walden is one of the most dynamic head coaches in ALL of college football.  He is a brilliant offensive mind who challenges conventional ways of thinking.  He is very passionate about his players and staff.  UTEP should be thrilled to have him as their head coach!” Jesse Minter Michigan Defensive Coordinator “I am so excited for UTEP Football and for Coach Scotty Walden.  He is a great friend of Texas High School Coaches.  I am fired up to see what his energy and passion do for UTEP Football.” Lee Wiginton Allen High School Football Coach & Texas High School Coaches Association Past President   “Scotty Walden is one of the most energetic and passionate coaches who I have ever been around.  He cares about building and developing his players to ensure they grow in all facets.  Under his leadership, I know the best is still to come for the UTEP football program.  The Miners will win not only on the field, but off it too. They are going to light up the scoreboard and your hearts!" Spencer Danielson Boise State Head Coach    

In his second year at the helm of the UTEP Women’s Golf program, Head Coach Steve Sims led the Miners to top-10 team finishes in nine of 10 tournaments, including three top-five finishes.   He mentored junior golfer Marta Romeu Chen to a CUSA All-Conference Third Team selection as well as a CUSA Golfer of the Week nod (2/8/24).   He also coached grad student Andrea Ostos to a T4th finish and spot on the CUSA All-Tournament team at the 2024 CUSA Women’s Golf Championships.   During the 2023-24 campaign, redshirt-junior Lea Dawson earned a spot on the CUSA All-Academic Second Team.   Nine golfers made the CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll while Dawson also received the CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Medal.   During his first year at UTEP, Sims coached the Miners in 10 tournaments, with the team finishing in the top-10 in nine of them. Seven of those finishes were top-five team finishes.   In the 2022-24 season Daniela Chipchase played her way to a CUSA Golfer of the Week honor (2/18/23).   Romeu Chen and Sophie Delfosse were selected to the 2022-23 WGCA All-American Scholar Team. UTEP Director of Athletics Jim Senter announced on June 9, 2022 that Steve Sims has been named the new women’s golf head coach for the Miners.   Sims comes to El Paso after spending nearly a decade as an assistant at UCF where he helped lead the Knights to six team and two individual NCAA Regional appearances, two American Athletic Conference titles and one NCAA Championship appearance.   “We are excited to launch a new era of UTEP women’s golf with Steve Sims as head coach,” Senter said. “He has been a part of a top-35 program at UCF and played a pivotal role in the Knights’ run to four NCAA Regional appearances in the last six years. He is looking forward to leading his own program and building UTEP women’s golf into an annual Conference USA championship contender.”   “I couldn’t be more excited to become the next head women’s golf coach at UTEP,” Sims said. “I want to thank Jim Senter and Charley Thrash, along with the other staff members that made this decision so easy for me. When I first stepped foot on campus, I knew there was truly something special about this university. UTEP is an amazing place and I can’t wait to start recruiting, developing and graduating champions both on and off the golf course. Go Miners!”   After spending 2013-21 as an assistant at UCF, Sims earned a promotion to associate head coach prior to the 2021-22 campaign. He has coached two AAC individual champions, four AAC Player of the Year selections, five AAC Freshman of the Year winners and 19 AAC All-Conference picks during his time in Orlando.   In addition, the Knights have excelled in the classroom, posting a 3.0 or higher GPA each year that Sims has been on staff, including a school-record 3.79 GPA in the spring of 2020. He has coached 20 WGCA Academic All-Americans to date.   Before his time at UCF, Sims caddied for Marcy Hart on the LPGA Tour from 2011-13. He also served as an assistant golf professional at the A.C. Read Golf Course from 2007-11 where he oversaw day-to-day operations, assisted in tournament operations, hosted junior clinics and helped to manage and oversee the 45-hole golf facility and restaurant.   Sims holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and fitness management with a minor in business administration from Troy University. He was a four-year starter for the Trojan men’s golf team, including winning the 2005 Emerald Coast Collegiate in a playoff after finishing regulation with a 210 score.   Following his career at Troy, Sims spent five years as a professional golfer on various tours playing in PGA Dixie Section events and multiple mini tours.   Sims becomes the third head coach in UTEP women’s golf history.

UTEP Football Head Coach Scotty Walden announced Chris Annan as the Miners’ director of player wellness on Dec. 29, 2023.   Annan worked under Walden since the 2020 season, while he had started at his alma mater of Austin Peay as a football student manager in 2018. At UTEP, Annan will have a hand in facilitating housing for the players, assisting with on-boarding of new players to the program, and will aid with general needs the players have on a day-to-day basis. While at Austin Peay, Annan oversaw the equipment room and student managers. He also assisted in interviewing new student candidates. Annan started as a football student manager in May 2018 thru August 2020 before Walden hired him as a football equipment graduate assistant for the 2021 season. Annan was then promoted to director of football equipment in August 2022.    Annan was part of a program that went 9-3 overall and 6-0 in United Athletic Conference action in 2023. The Governors captured a UAC Championship and FCS playoff berth. Austin Peay produced a school-record 17 All-UAC performers.    Annan received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance from Austin Peay State University in May 2020.    ANNAN’S CAREER 2022-23 – Austin Peay (director of football equipment) 2021 – Austin Peay (football equipment graduate assistant) 2018-20 – Austin Peay (football student manager)

UTEP Football Head Coach Scotty Walden hired Joe Pappalardo the Miners’ Wefense Coordinator and Miner Backs coach, on Dec. 21, 2023.   Pappalardo followed Walden after serving as his special teams coordinator and Gov Backs coach at Austin Peay for three seasons. Pappalardo was also at Southern Miss when Walden was on the Golden Eagles’ staff.  Under Pappalardo, UTEP led Conference USA in punt return average (18.3). The Miners returned 17 punts for 311 yards (second most in CUSA) and a touchdown. Nationally, the Miners ranked fourth in punt return average and 10th in punt return yards. UTEP ranked fifth in CUSA in kickoff return average (20.7) while being one of two programs to return a KO for a TD.    Miner Back Kam Thomas was named a 2024 All-CUSA first team special teams player. Thomas was also the team leader in punt returns on wefense. He ranked second in CUSA with 200 yards on 10 returns (20.0 avg.), including a long return of 93 yards for a TD at NM State. Thomas was one of two players in CUSA to return a punt for a score. Thomas also grabbed 47 receptions - tying for the team lead. Thomas started in all nine games played, leading UTEP in all-purpose yards (871) and all-purpose yards per game (96.8). Thomas ranked fifth in CUSA in all-purpose yards. Thomas’s big game came at NM State on Nov. 30, where he tallied 90 yards on four receptions, including a 69-yard reception against the Aggies. He added 109 yards on a pair of punt returns, including a 93-yard touchdown return.    Miner Back Corey Wren led the Miners with 196 yards on six kickoff returns (32.7 avg.), including a 100-yard touchdown return at WKU on Oct. 10. Wren played through injuries during the season, seeing action in eight contests.    Trey Goodman recorded 115 yards on six punt returns, averaging 19.2 yards per return. Overall in KO returns, Thomas returned seven for 112 yards (16.0 avg.), Kenny Odom took seven kickoffs for 123 yards (17.6 avg.) and Ashton Nickelberry tallied 65 yards on four returns (16.3 avg.).    Kicker Buzz Flabiano made all 28 point-after-touchdown attempts, while hitting 10-of-17 on field goals. Punter Adam Jacklin averaged just under 40 yards a punt.  Pappalardo helped new UTEP WR/Miner Back Kam Thomas produce stellar numbers in 2023 with the Governors. Thomas, who signed with the Orange and Blue on Dec. 20, 2023, registered 267 yards on 12 punt returns and ranked first in the FCS with a 22.3 average. He also took two to the house with a long return TD of 89 yards. Jaden Barnes chipped in with 52 yards on three returns (17.3 avg.). Overall, the two combined for 319 yards on 15 returns, ranking first in the FCS with a 21.3 punt return average.    Both were dynamic at returning kicks, as Thomas averaged 21.1 yards on 14 kick returns (296 yards) and Barnes averaged 24.3 yards on 11 returns. Overall, the Govs' kickoff return unit averaged 21.0 yards on 28 returns (589 yards). Austin Peay ranked 33rd in FCS in kickoff return average.   Thomas added 629 yards on 50 receptions with five TDs, along with 78 yards on 22 carries and a rushing score. Thomas racked up eight total touchdowns (five receiving, two punt return, one rush).    In 2022, Thomas averaged 13.4 yards on 15 punt returns and added a 92-yard touchdown. Thomas also returned 14 kickoffs for 318 yards (22.7 avg.) and a 94-yard score.   Prior to APU, Pappalardo was on Southern Miss’ staff as a special teams and tight end graduate assistant from 2019-2020, when Walden was the co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach from 2019 into 2020, and interim head coach at the conclusion of 2020 for the Golden Eagles.    Pappalardo served as a student assistant coach and the director of football operations at his alma mater UMass Dartmouth from 2015 to 2019.    The Reading, Mass., native worked primarily with the defensive backs and defensive coordinator Steve Faniel while at UMass Dartmouth. In 2016, Pappalardo guided a backfield unit that posted 11 interceptions, including nine in MASCAC play, and 39 pass breakups. Sophomore safety Tony Slaughter was named Second Team All-MASCAC with a team-high three interceptions.   Pappalardo received his degree in business management and leadership from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in May 2019.    PAPPALARDO’S COACHING CAREER 2024-Pres. – UTEP (Wefense Coordinator/Miner Backs/inside wide receivers/pass game coordinator) 2023 – Austin Peay (special teams coordinator/Gov Backs coach) 2021-23 – Austin Peay (special teams coordinator/Gov Backs coach/offensive recruiting coordinator) 2021 – Austin Peay (co-special teams coordinator/defensive analyst [LBs]) 2019-20 – Southern Miss (special teams and TE graduate assistant/recruiting assistant) 2015-19 – UMass Dartmouth (student assistant coach [defense]/director of football operations)

Lanear Sampson was officially announced in February 2026. Sampson reunites with Walden on the sidelines after serving as Austin Peay’s pass game coordinator in 2022 and as the co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach in 2023. Sampson comes to the 915 from San Diego State, where he served as the Aztecs’ pass game coordinator/wide receivers coach for the last two seasons (2024, 2025).    San Diego State struggled to a 3-9 mark in 2024, but rebounded with a 9-4 record in 2025, where the 23rd-ranked Aztecs took on [RV] North Texas in the New Mexico Bowl. SDSU fell short in a 49-47 shootout. San Diego State averaged 26.4 points per game and 356.4 yards of total offense. Wide receivers Jordan Napier (48 rec., 629 yards, 2 TD) and Donovan Brown (33 rec., 518 yards, 2 TD) were the team leaders in receiving.    In his lone season as the co-offensive coordinator at APSU, the 10th-ranked Governors posted a 9-3 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in ASUN play and a trip to the FCS Playoffs. Statistically, his offense ranked fourth in team passing efficiency (162.2), ninth in scoring offense (34.1 points per game), 11th in FCS in completion percentage (66.7), 12th in red zone offense (89.7 percent), 13th in passing offense (274.1 yards per game, and 15th in total offense (426.8 yards per game).    Austin Peay’s quarterback, Mike DiLiello, would go on to be named the ASUN offensive player of the year and finished eighth in the voting for the 2023 Walter Payton Award. The play caller led a group of eight offensive players to earn all-United Athletic Conference honors, including a first team selection for wide receiver Trey Goodman and second team selection for wideout Tre Shackelford.    In his first season at Austin Peay, Sampson mentored wide receiver Drae McCray, who posted just the fourth 1,000-yard receiving season in program history with 76 receptions for 1,021 yards. McCray finished the 2022 season with 14 more catches and 253 more yards than any other receiver in the ASUN Conference. Overall, his receiving core had five players with multiple touchdowns all ranking in the top 10 of the ASUN.   Prior to Austin Peay, Sampson spent the 2021 season as an offensive analyst on Dino Baber’s staff at Syracuse, assisting the Orange to the 16th-best rushing offense (213.5 ypg) in FBS.    Sampon spent the 2020 season as an offensive quality control coach for Josh Heupel at the University of Central Florida. While there, the Knights had one of the best offenses in the nation, ranking second in total offense (568.1 ypg), fourth in passing offense (357.4 ypg), seventh in first downs (283), and eighth in scoring offense (42.2 ppg).    While at McNeese State, Sampson’s receiver group was led by second team All-Southland Conference selection Cyron Sutton. Sutton hauled in 10 touchdowns that year and set the single-season record with 67 catches and recorded the second most yards in program history with 950. He also caught a touchdown in seven straight games, another McNeese State record.    As a player, Sampson was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers before he signed with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League in 2015.   Before going pro, he was a key piece of the senior class that turned around Baylor’s football program. Sampson helped the Bears reach three consecutive bowl games for the first time in school history, including back-to-back wins against Washington in the 2011 Alamo Bowl and UCLA in the 2012 Holiday Bowl.    Sampson finished his career fifth on Baylor’s all-time receptions list (165) and 10th in career receiving yardage (1,905). He caught a pass in 43 straight games from 2010-12 and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors as a senior. Sampson had 52 receptions for 656 yards and six touchdowns in his final campaign to earn a spot in the 2013 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game. He was also a two-time Academic All-Big 12 selection during his time in Waco.   A Mesquite, Texas, native, Sampson earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Baylor in 2012 before earning his master’s degree in instruction design, development, and evaluation from Syracuse in 2018.   

Chris Jones will begin his second season as the Miners’ defensive line coach/defensive run game coordinator. Jones was hired on Dec. 16, 2023. The Miners racked up a CUSA-high 36 sacks as the defensive line collected 26 of them. UTEP ranked in the top 20 in the FBS in sacks.    Bandit Maurice Westmoreland, a 2024 All-CUSA first team player, led the conference with 8.0 sacks. All-CUSA second team defensive lineman Kyran Duhon ranked second in the league with 7.0 sacks. Duhon was also named to the CUSA All-Freshman team.    Westmoreland added 46 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high six quarterback hurries, while Duhon posted 43 tackles.    Defensive end Bryton Thompson came up with a performance for the ages during UTEP’s come-from-behind win at NM State to wrap up 2024. The senior tallied five tackles and registered half a sack, but had two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns against the Aggies. Thompson’s touchdown put UTEP on the board first with an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. After UTEP found itself down 24-7, the Orange and Blue rallied back to beat NM State 42-35. Thompson capped the rally with his second TD that put his squad up 42-24. Thompson is the first Miner in program history to return two fumbles for touchdowns in a single game.    Defensive tackle KD Johnson impressed with 40 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.    Sione Tonga’uiha, UTEP’s “Trench Warrior”, tallied 23 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks from the defensive tackle position.    Jones came to the Sun City with Walden after serving as Austin Peay’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach the previous three seasons (2021-23).  In 2023, Austin Peay went 9-3 overall, while the Governors finished 6-0 in United Athletic Conference action and claimed a UAC Championship. Austin Peay’s total defense ranked third in the UAC (396.0 yards allowed per game). APU rated third in the UAC and 42nd in FCS in scoring defense (24.4). The Governors were first in the UAC and 12th in FCS with a trio of defensive touchdowns. APU’s defense forced 16 turnovers, while it ranked third in UAC and 29th in FCS with 11 interceptions. Redshirt junior J’Vian McCray led the defense with 3.5 sacks, while the 6-foot, 327-pound defensive lineman added 24 tackles (eight solo), 5.0 TFLs, three breakups and a pair of QB hurries. Defensive linemen redshirt freshman Travis Bates (3.0 sacks) and graduate student Jau’Von Young (2.5 sacks) ranked second and third on the team in sacks, respectively.    During the 2022 season, the Austin Peay rush defense ranked 29th in the FCS and second in the ASUN Conference, allowing 128.5 yards per game. The Governors’ defense led the ASUN and was tied for 16th in FCS with only 12 rushing scores allowed. In nine FCS games, the Governors’ run defense held five opponents under 100 yards rushing, including only a 34-yard day for Murray State – the fewest rushing yards allowed during the Walden Era. The Governors ranked first in the ASUN in total defense (317.2 ypg), scoring defense (22.2 ppg) and third-down conversion defense (.308). Those marks ranked 12th, 32nd and third, respectively in the FCS. Defensive lineman Kwame Sutton led the Governors’ defensive with 4.5 sacks. Ranked eighth in the ASUN in tackles for loss (7.5) and sixth in sacks.    Jones served as Texas A&M-Kingsville’s co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach during the spring 2021 season in which the Javelinas played just two games and averaged 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks per contest.    Prior his stops in Kingsville, Texas, and Clarksville, Tenn., Jones spent 10 seasons at his alma mater Hardin-Simmons (2010-20). During his time on the sideline, the Cowboys saw 16 All-ASC honorees from the defensive line under Jones, including the 2010 ASC Defensive Player of the Year in Hank Hornsby and a 2012 Second Team D3Football.com All-American in Undra Hendrix. Hendrix also set a program record with 11.0 sacks and was named ASC Defensive Lineman of the Year for his efforts. Prior to his time at HSU, Jones was a graduate assistant coach at Sam Houston from 2008 through 2009 and spent two years at Hardin-Simmons from 2006 through 2007 in the same capacity.    His playing career spanned four years for the Cowboys from 2003-06 where he played in 41 straight games, finished his career with nine sacks and 126 tackles, including 22.5 for loss, and was a second team D3Football.com All-American following the 2006 season. Jones graduated from Hardin-Simmons with his Bachelor of Behavioral Science in 2008 and finished his Master of Science in kinesiology, sport, and recreation in 2018.   JONES’S COACHING CAREER 2024-Pres. – UTEP (defensive line/defensive run game coordinator)  2021-23 – Austin Peay (co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach) 2020-21 – Texas A&M-Kingsville (co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach) 2010-20 – Hardin-Simmons (defensive line coach) 2008-10 – Sam Houston (graduate assistant – defense)

Kelvin Sigler will start his second season with the Miners as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Sigler was hired on Dec. 23, 2023.     UTEP’s pass defense came up with some solid performances during the 2024 season. The Miners allowed a season-low 115 pass yards against Southern Utah and yielded 132 yards at Colorado State. The “Orange Swarm” defense picked off four FIU passes, helping to lead the Miners to their first win of the season. It was the most interceptions by a UTEP defense since 2011 and the most picked off in the Sun Bowl since 2008. UTEP allowed only 183 passing yards in its double overtime win over Kennesaw State.    Spur Kory Chapman, who started in nine of 10 games played, thrived in his only season with the Miners. Chapman ranked fourth on the team with 75 tackles, adding a team-high 12.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 tackles, two interceptions (48 yards), three hurries and one fumble recovery.    Safety Xavier Smith, who made 10 starts in 12 games played, led all UTEP defensive backs with 78 tackles (33 solo), while Smith ranked third overall on the “Orange Swarm” defense. Smith ranked 21st overall in Conference USA. Smith totaled a season-most 10 tackles with a fumble recovery at Liberty.    Safety Oscar Moore, who started in nine of 12 games played, concluded his UTEP career with a solid senior season. Moore recorded a career-high 62 tackles (34 solo) with a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Moore ranked fifth on the team in tackles.    Safety Lantz Russell started in six of 12 games during his breakout year in 2024. Russell, after playing in four games and tallying three tackles in 2023, registered 54 tackles (23 solo) with 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two interceptions and two breakups.  Sigler joined Walden’s staff after coaching at Jacksonville State for the previous six seasons (2018-2023). Most recently, Sigler was the associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and safeties coach for the Gamecocks, including the last two seasons under Rich Rodriguez in 2022 and 2023.  Jax State is coming off a successful first season as an FBS program. Sigler’s efforts helped the Gamecocks to a 9-4 overall mark, 6-2 Conference USA record and a 34-31 overtime victory against Old Dominion in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 16. The Gamecocks’ stingy defense ranked no. 1 in CUSA in scoring defense (21.2) and total defense (352.8). Jax State ranked top 30 nationally in scoring defense and top 45 in total defense. Five Jax State defensive players earned All-CUSA honors following the regular season. DE Chris Hardie was named first team, while DB’s Jeremiah Harris and Dereck Carter were second team performers. DT Jeff Marks and LB Quae Drake earned honorable mention recognition.    As Rodriguez was filling his first staff at Jax State prior to the 2022 season, he announced that he would be re-hiring Sigler as a defensive assistant with the Gamecocks. Sigler spent the previous four seasons as the Gamecocks’ associate head coach and coaching their safeties. He served as the team’s defensive coordinator for the final three years of that stint. His first season under Rodriguez was a successful one, as he helped lead the Gamecocks to a 9-2 record that included a perfect 5-0 record in conference play and the 2022 ASUN Conference Championship. His safeties group helped a defensive unit that was 15th in the nation in takeaways and first nationally in fumbles recovered. When Sigler joined the JSU staff in the spring of 2018, he brought years of experience from multiple levels with him and that has carried over into a successful tenure with the Gamecocks. His first season in 2018 was an impressive one, with both of his starting safeties grabbing All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and the Gamecocks winning an OVC-record fifth-straight conference title. In his second season, Bridges again earned All-America honors, while safety Traco Williams, linebacker Zack Woodard and defensive end DJ Coleman joined Bridges on the All-OVC defense. His third season with the Gamecocks, his defense led the OVC in Total Defense and Rushing Defense and was a driving force in JSU winning its sixth OVC title in seven years and earning the No. 4 National Seed in the FCS Playoffs. The Gamecocks held a school-record nine-straight opponents under 100 yards rushing at one point during the season. His 2021 defense was second nationally with defensive touchdowns, second only to Montana’s six. Sigler spent two seasons (2016-2017) at South Alabama, where he was the Jaguars’ cornerbacks coach. He coached first team All-Sun Belt performer CB Jeremy Reaves.   Prior to South Alabama, Sigler had a three-year stint (2013-15) at Northern Illinois as the cornerbacks coach. He mentored CB Shawun Lurry who was a FWAA first team All-American, Walter Camp second team All-American and AP third team All-American. CB Logan Paris was a first team All-MAC. The Huskies ranked tied fourth in the NCAA with 22 interceptions during the 2015 season.    Sigler was on the 2012 defensive staff at Alabama, where he helped the Crimson Tide to a 13-1 record and a 42-14 win over Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game. He went to Alabama after serving four seasons as the head coach at Blount High School in Prichard, Ala., where he led the Leopards to four-straight playoff appearances and the school’s first 10-win season since 1998 in 2011. He also served as a high school coach at Bob Jones and Greensboro High Schools. Sigler lettered for four years at Alabama from 1995-98 at the defensive back position. During his career, Sigler intercepted six passes, led the team in tackles as a junior and was one of five permanent team captains his senior year.   Sigler has professional football experience, playing for the Tennessee Titans (1999), Miami Dolphins (2000) and AF2’s Birmingham Steeldogs (2002).    Sigler received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Alabama in 2001.    Sigler has his wife Gemini, three daughters and two sons.    SIGLER’S COACHING CAREER 2024-Pres. – UTEP (co-defensive coordinator/safeties) 2019-23 – Jacksonville State (associate head coach/defensive coordinator/safeties coach) 2018 – Jacksonville State (associate head coach/safeties) 2016-17 – South Alabama (cornerbacks coach) 2013-15 – Northern Illinois (cornerbacks coach) 2012 – Alabama (defensive analyst)

Payton Pardee was named the tight ends coach in January 2026. Pardee, a recognizable name on the gridiron, brings over eight years of coaching experience to the Sun City and is making a return to the college ranks after mentoring at the pro level for the last three seasons.   Pardee’s most recent position was the interim head coach of the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in 2025. He also assumed the duties of the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Pardee was named interim head coach before the third game this year. Pardee started with the Brahmas as the special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach before the 2024 campaign. San Antonio finished 7-3 in the regular season. The Brahmas won the 2024 XFL Division Championship to advance to the UFL Championship game. San Antonio ranked first in kickoffs, second in punting, and third in punt returns in the UFL in 2024. Pardee coached Jontre Kirklin, who ranked tied for first in the league with 56 receptions and ranked second with 614 receiving yards in 10 games played.    Before being on the San Antonio staff, Pardee served as the wide receivers coach for the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks for two seasons (2022-2023). He also directed the punt and kickoff returners. The Roughnecks ranked no. 2 in scoring offense and finished 7-3 with a regular-season division championship in 2023.    Pardee’s first collegiate coaching gig was at East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M-Commerce). He started as a graduate assistant with the outside wide receivers during the 2019 season, while in 2021, Pardee served as a GA for the tight ends. He was hired full-time at East Texas A&M as the tight ends coach, recruiting coordinator, and pro liaison.    While on staff at East Texas A&M, which was Division II until before the 2025 campaign, Pardee recruited multiple student-athletes who went on to receive full scholarships at FBS and FCS programs. Tight end Dawson Hearne played for East Texas A&M in 2022 and went on to receive a full scholarship at Tarleton State. Hearne finished the 2023 season as an All-United Football Conference first team player. In 2021, Pardee signed defensive back Michael Ray, who transferred to UTEP before the 2024 season. Long snapper Josiah Kennard transferred to James Madison, and offensive lineman Peyton Ellis transferred to Marshall – both players on a full scholarship. In 2020, Pardee recruited wide receiver Michael Phoenix, who transferred to Sam Houston, and offensive lineman McKenzie Agnello transferred to New Mexico and then became a starting guard on the o-line at Houston. In 2019, East Texas A&M signed wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, who became an All-Southland Conference first team player and then transferred to Arkansas, where he notched a 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024 (led Razorbacks in receptions and yards).    Tight end Austin Samaha played two years for Pardee at ETAM and led all Southland Conference tight ends in receiving yards in 2023.   Pardee played collegiately at the University of Houston, where he was a wide receiver and on special teams under Tom Herman, Major Applewhite, and Kendall Briles from 2015 to 2018. He was part of the 2015 American Athletic Conference championship and Peach Bowl victory. Pardee also competed in the 2016 Las Vegas Bowl, 2017 Hawai’i Bowl, and 2018 Armed Forces Bowl.    Pardee graduated with honors from the University of Houston with an economics degree in 2018, followed by receiving his master’s in health kinesiology sports studies from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2021.    Payton is the grandson of Hall of Fame coach and player Jack Pardee. Jack was the head coach for the NFL’s Houston Oilers, where he implemented the run-and-shoot offense from 1990 to 1994 (43-31 overall record). His family’s coaching roots sparked a strong desire to follow in his grandfather's footsteps in the coaching profession. Jack was also the head coach for the Chicago Bears (1975-1977), the Washington Redskins (1978-1980), the USFL’s Houston Gamblers (1984-1985), at the University of Houston (1987-1989), and the CFL’s Birmingham Barracudas (1995). 

UTEP Football Head Coach Scotty Walden announced Maddie Rose as the Miners’ director of creative content on Jan. 2, 2024.   Rose is familiar with Walden and his staff as she served as Austin Peay’s director of digital media for the past two seasons (2022-2023). With new coaches and players come new stories to tell, and Rose – amongst other duties – will help lead the charge in producing that content for Miner fans.     While a Governor, Rose created graphics for 16 different athletics’ programs that included content such as game day, posters, starting lineups and honors while maintaining university and athletic branding guidelines.  Rose’s duties didn’t stop at designing graphics, as she also photographed games, practices, media days and other miscellaneous events at Austin Peay. She communicated and worked with SIDs, the athletic director, director of creative video and student-athletes to produce consistent content and branding on all “Let’s Go Peay” social media platforms.   Prior to her time in Clarksville, Tenn., Rose’s collegiate athletics’ career started at her alma mater Kent State as a graphic design intern for the football program during the 2021 season thru spring 2022. Her duties included graphic design for the program’s various social media platforms. Rose also assisted with photoshoots for official and unofficial visits, while capturing photos at practice and during games.    Rose received her Bachelor of Arts – Visual Communication Design from Kent State University in 2022.    ROSE’S CAREER 2022-23 – Austin Peay (director of digital media) 2021-22 – Kent State (graphic design intern – football)

Kyle Beyer will begin his second season with the UTEP football staff. Beyer will coach the spurs in 2025. He was hired on March 28, 2024. Beyer served as the lead defensive analyst for the Miners in 2024. He ventured to the Sun City after gaining a plethora of experience between Indiana Wesleyan and most recently Roosevelt University.   He was the defensive coordinator at Roosevelt University in 2023, leading a unit that had eight players garner All-Conference recognition. He also implemented a new defensive scheme.   From the Fall of 2018 through Spring of 2023, Beyer worked in multiple capacities at Indiana Wesleyan. He served as cornerbacks coach (2018), linebackers coach (Spring 2019-Spring 2022), special teams coordinator (Spring 2019-Spring 2022) and defensive coordinator (Spring 2022-Spring 2023).   Overall, he has coached 29 All-Conference selections and six All-Americans on both defense and special teams. Indiana Wesleyan advanced to the NAIA Final Four in 2022. His defenses have been known for high pressure, forcing 57 takeaways and registering 67 sacks in his two seasons as defensive coordinator.    Beyer was a four-year starter and served as a captain at free safety for NCAA DIII Grove City College from 2014-17. He received his B.S. in elementary education, preK-4 from the university in May 2018.   

Austin Furgatch was hired in January 2026. Furgatch recently served as TCU’s player personnel associate during the 2025 campaign, while also gaining experience at the professional level early in his career.   While with the Horned Frogs, Furgatch was responsible for assisting in player personnel and scouting operations. He would evaluate running backs, defensive linemen, and linebackers in addition to compiling weekly reports on 2027 recruits and potential prospects. Furgatch also built out advanced scouting reports on future opponents.   Furgatch was at UCLA from February 2022 to April 2024 as a recruiting assistant. He covered the West Coast and Midwest as an area scout by writing a 50-page report of evaluations each week. Furgatch scouted hundreds of FCS and FBS football prospects as part of building the transfer portal board.    Wake Forest was Furgatch’s first collegiate stop from May 2021 to February 2022. Furgatch worked as a recruiting/player personnel assistant. He identified new prospects and wrote initial reports on recruits to pass to the DPP and position coaches. Furgatch organized NFL scout visits with Pro Liaison, including informational meetings on players’ backgrounds, academics, weight room numbers, and athletic training history.    Before breaking into the college ranks, Furgatch gained experience in the NFL, working as the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee (Super Bowl LIV) from December 2018 to February 2020. He worked with the partnerships department on selling sponsorship packages for Super Bowl LIV by researching organizations throughout the national market, designing customized materials for sponsorship presentations, aiding in the management of Hard Rock Stadium ticket inventory, and maintaining a database of executed contracts.    Furgatch broke into athletics with the Los Angeles Rams as a training camp intern from July 2018 to August 2018. He assisted in the planning and execution of Rams Training Camp at UC Irvine under the team’s operations staff. Furgatch checked in and distributed credentials for player guests, agents, and other VIPs while managing the player friends and family tent during practice. He also completed camp setup/breakdown while serving as a liaison between the organization and over 38,000 fans.    Furgatch received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Miami in 2021.   

James Brown will be in his first season as UTEP's director of recruiting after being hired in January 2026. Brown brings over 34 years of experience, including 30 years coaching Texas high school football, 17 years as a head coach, and collegiate experience at the Power Four and Group of Five levels.    Brown is a graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso (1995) and was a member of the UTEP football team from 1988 through 1990. After receiving his degree, he stayed in El Paso to teach and coach football at Cathedral High School and coach at Andress High School.    Most recently, Brown was on staff at Michigan as a senior analyst and assistant special teams coordinator for the last two seasons (2024-2025). The Wolverines won 17 games in that span, including a victory in the ‘24 ReliaQuest Bowl.    Brown spent the 2023 season at SMU as the Mustangs’ Director of High School Relations. Brown directed Texas high school recruiting efforts within the Lone Star State and served as the primary liaison between the SMU football program and Texas high school coaches.    Before joining the college ranks, Brown was a long-time Texas high school coach, compiling a 113-80 record over 17 years.    Brown was the head coach at Mansfield Timberview High School in the Dallas area from 2012 to 2022, leading the program to multiple playoff appearances. During his final year at MTHS in 2022, he directed the program to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the Class 5A Division I regional finals. Brown was also the head coach at North Forney High School (2011), at Fort Bend Kempner High School (2007-2010), and at Brazosport High School (2006).    Before assuming the role of a head coach, Brown served as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Alvin High School (2000-2005). His coaching career started in El Paso at Cathedral High School as the offensive coordinator (1992-1994). Brown was also the OC at Andress High School for six seasons (1995-2000).    Brown received his Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature) from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1995 and a Master of Education from Lamar University in 2009. 

Gabrielle Velasquez is currently in her third season as the Football Video Coordinator for UTEP. In this role, she oversees all aspects of film operations for practices and games, managing a team responsible for providing video support to both coaches and players. Velasquez began her career with the UTEP video department as an undergraduate student assistant in the spring of 2017. She later served as a graduate assistant while pursuing her Master of Business Administration, which she completed in December 2021. She returned to the program in 2023 to assume her current role. A native of El Paso and a graduate of Loretto Academy, Velasquez earned her bachelor's degree in Business Management from UTEP in 2019, followed by her MBA in the fall of 2021.

Andy Townsend was hired in January 2026 and brings over 15 years of coaching experience to the program. He’s been part of a pair of national championship teams – Texas A&M Commerce in 2017 and Navarro College in 2010.    Townsend was recently on the staff at North Texas as the assistant offensive line coach in 2025. The Mean Green completed their best season in program history, finishing 12-2 and capping the campaign with a 49-47 shootout win against San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl. UNT led the nation in total yards per game (512.4) and points per game (45.1). Quarterback Drew Mestemaker was named American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, while offensive lineman Gabe Blair was named All-AAC first team.      Before coaching in Denton, Townsend served as the assistant offensive line coach and run game coordinator at East Texas A&M in 2024.    Townsend spent time at the pro level, as he was an offensive line coach and running backs coach for the USFL’s Houston Gamblers in 2022-2023. Townsend was at Texas Wesleyan as the offensive line coach/director of football operations, and also coached in the XFL as an advanced scout, position analyst, and operations assistant for the Dallas Renegades in 2020.      Townsend’s first stint at East Texas A&M as an associate head coach and defensive ends coach from 2015-19 saw great success, culminating in two Lone Star Conference titles in 2015 and 2016 and a Division II National Championship in 2017.    He was an offensive intern at SMU in 2014, where he worked under June Jones. In 2013, he was the offensive line coach at West Texas A&M and helped lead it to the regional finals. He had two players earn first team all-region and all-conference honors, with one earning LSC offensive lineman of the year. Townsend served as the tight ends/offensive line coach at Navarro College from 2010 to 2012.    Townsend played collegiately at East Texas Baptist, where he began his career in coaching as the video coordinator and offensive line coach in 2004. He won a 2A state title as a player in 1998 at Pewitt High School in Omaha, Texas.   Townsend received his bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree from Greenville University in coaching.    Townsend is married to his wife, Meredith, and the couple shares three children, Tripp, Ian and Ellie.   

Ray Pickering was hired by UTEP head coach Scotty Walden in January 2026. Pickering was recently the running backs coach at Oregon State during the 2025 campaign. He brings an extensive mix of coaching at the high school and collegiate levels.    While with the Beavers in his lone season, OSU running back Anthony Hankerson rushed for 1,086 yards on 247 attempts (4.4 avg.) and nine rushing scores. It was the 17th-most yards ever by an Oregon State running back. Hankerson ranked 25th in the nation in total rushing yards. Hankerson produced career highs in rushing yards (204) and rushing touchdowns (four) against Lafayette. Hankerson tallied five 100+ rushing yard games, including four consecutive from Oct. 11 to Nov. 8 (101 vs. Wake Forest, 204 vs. Lafayette, 132 vs. Washington State, 166 vs. Sam Houston). Hankerson was selected as the top offensive performer in the Pac-12 Conference. Overall, Oregon State rushed for 1,487 yards and 15 touchdowns.    Before coaching in Corvallis, Pickering was the running backs coach at Buffalo in 2024. The Bulls rushed for 2,457 yards while  Al-Jay Henderson surpassed the century mark with 1,078, ranking 35th nationally. Buffalo’s rushing offense ranked fourth in the MAC, and the Bulls scored 24 touchdowns on the ground. The Bulls competed in the 2025 Bahamas Bowl.    Pickering served as Norfolk State’s offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in 2023. The Spartans set a school record for rush yards at 1,912, including a season-best 350 rush yards against Towson. NSU had two players rush for over 400+ yards and two with over 250+ yards.    Pickering was at Texas in 2022 as the Longhorns’ offensive analyst. He assisted with the offensive line and helped mentor freshman All-American Kelvin Banks. Texas finished second in the Big 12 and played in the Alamo Bowl versus Washington. He helped a unit that improved vastly during the second year of head coach Steve Sarkisian that propelled running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson to career bests.    Pickering’s first collegiate position was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Lane College (2021) in Jackson, Tenn. Lane had two offensive players named All-Americans while four players were selected all-conference.    Before the college ranks, Pickering coached for 13 seasons at the high school level. He coached at Moss Point High School, Hattiesburg High School, Daphne High School, Laurel High School, and his alma mater, West Jones High School. Pickering served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator during his tenure. He helped produce one Mr. Football in the state of Mississippi, and saw eight Dandy Dozens from his teams in addition to 12 All-Americans. While at the high school level, over 150 offensive players went on to play at the collegiate and pro levels. Most notably of that group include Kelvin Banks (Texas), DJ Campbell (Texas), Cam Williams (Texas), Charles Cross (Seattle Seahawks), Omar Bayless (Carolina Panthers), Bopete Keyes (Kansas City Chiefs), Keon Howard (Tulane), Chance Newman (Jax State), Snoop Connor (Jacksonville Jaguars), Octavious Cooley (Ole Miss), and Dontario Drummond (Ole Miss).    With a background in baseball, Pickering served as head coach at Laurel and an assistant coach for baseball at Hattiesburg, winning the 2018 5A state title.   A native of Laurel, Miss., Pickering is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received a bachelor’s in Coaching Education. He earned his master’s in Secondary Education and Sports Administration from William Carey University. Pickering also spent time at Jones Junior College and Alabama State University, where he played collegiate football and baseball.   

Keelon Brookins was hired in January 2026. Brookins was the secondary coach at Coastal Carolina during the 2025 campaign. The Chanticleers picked off 12 passes and recorded 41 breakups as a team. The Coastal defensive backs accounted for nine of the INTs. Safety Xamarion Gordon tied for the team lead with three INTs while also leading Coastal Carolina with 71 total tackles. Fellow safety Myles Woods also picked off three passes and tied for the team lead with six breakups. Woods was named All-Sun Belt second team, while Gordon was a third team member.    Before Coastal Carolina, Brookins spent 2024 at LA Tech, coaching the corners. LA Tech’s ’24 defense finished the season as the No. 12-ranked total defense in the nation, allowing just 308.4 yards per game.   In 2023, Brookins’ defensive backs at Northern Iowa combined for seven interceptions, 11 pass breakup and 301 total tackles. He tutored UNI senior defensive back Woo Governor, who earned first team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors after tallying 62 total tackles, including three for loss with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.    While at Kent State in 2022, Brookins played a large role in the success of third team All-MAC defensive back Nico Bolden, who led the Golden Flashes with 103 total tackles and ranked ninth nationally in solo tackles per game with 5.7.    During Brookins’ first stint at Northern Iowa (2018-2021), he was instrumental in the development and coaching of nine all-conference defensive backs while helping the Panthers reach the FCS Playoffs three times during his first four years on staff, including a trip to the FCS quarterfinals in 2019.   Brookins’ defensive backs played a large role in the Panthers’ 14 interceptions in the fall of 2021 to aid the efforts of the nation’s 13th-ranked scoring defense at 18.0 points allowed per game. Defensive backs Benny Sapp III (first team) and Omar Brown (honorable mention) were named All-MVFC.   Despite the COVID-19-shortened spring season in 2021, three UNI DBs earned first team all-league honors under Brookins’ tutelage as the Panthers’ secondary played a vital role in the nation’s sixth-ranked scoring defense, yielding just 15.3 points per game.   The 2019 season saw the Panthers’ defense intercept 19 passes while scoring four defensive touchdowns, which ranked third and fourth in the country, respectively. Four Panther defensive backs earned postseason All-MVFC distinction, headlined by first team selection Omar Brown, who ranked third nationally with three fumbles recovered while his six interceptions ranked 20th.   In 2018, the Panthers ranked sixth nationally with 18 interceptions as part of a defense that ranked seventh nationally in defensive touchdowns (four) and 17th nationally in scoring defense (21.3). DB Xavior Williams earned first team All-MVFC honors after recording 42 total tackles, 29 solo tackles and four interceptions.    Prior to his coaching career, Brookins played at Wisconsin before transferring to UNI in 2017. He recorded 33 tackles with 6.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and a pair of interceptions to earn MVFC All-Newcomer team honors as a senior while helping the Panthers earn a trip to the second round of the FCS Playoffs.    Brookins graduated from Wisconsin in 2016 with a degree in education before obtaining his master’s degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services from Northern Iowa in 2022. A native of St. Paul, Minn., he is married to his wife, Olivia Arkell-Brookins, and has a son, Hendrix, and a daughter, Harlee.   

UTEP Football Head Coach Scotty Walden continued to announce his support staff by naming Robbie Matos the Miners’ new director of football operations and chief of staff on Dec. 28, 2023.   Matos worked under Walden at Austin Peay for two seasons (2022-2023) and was part of a program that went 9-3 overall and 6-0 in United Athletic Conference action. The Governors captured a UAC Championship and FCS playoff berth. Austin Peay produced a school-record 17 All-UAC performers.  While at Austin Peay, Matos managed the weekly and yearly calendar for the football staff and team, while also coordinating the team schedule with various entities to ensure recruiting and game day itineraries are followed.   Matos organized team meals during fall camp, in-season and out of season, and planned with caterers, on-campus dining services and local restaurants. His duties also included coordinating team travel year round, and managing Coach Walden’s busy travel plans and schedule.    Prior to joining the Govs’ staff, Matos started his collegiate career at his alma mater Kent State as the program’s assistant director of football operations and graduate assistant for two seasons starting in August 2020 till December 2021. Matos, a native of Salem, Ohio, started in athletics at Woolridge High School in Peninsula, Ohio, serving as the athletic operations coordinator from January 2020 thru May 2021.    Matos earned his Bachelor of Science in sports administration and business administration in May 2020 and followed with a Master of Arts in Sport Administration in December 2021 from Kent State.    MATOS’S CAREER 2022-23 – Austin Peay (director of football operations/chief of staff) 2020-21 – Kent State (assistant director of football operations/graduate assistant)

Craig Neece was announced as the Miners’ bandits coach on March 11, 2026.    Neece comes to the 915 from Hardin-Simmons, where he served as the defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach the last two seasons (2024, 2025). The Cowboys forged a 19-3 overall record and 11-1 in league action during Neece’s two seasons on the staff. HSU advanced to the NCAA Division III Playoffs both seasons.    Neece’s defense led the American Southwest Conference in scoring defense (19.1 ppg) and total defense (308.1 ypg). The Cowboys yielded a league-low 4.8 yards per play. HSU finished 9-2 overall and 5-1 in ASC play in 2025.    HSU Linebacker Kaiden Roden earned second team All-American honors by the Associated Press and D3football.com and was named to the Dave Campbell’s All-Texas team. Roden was also the ASC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and led the Cowboys in tackles with 79. Safety Harrison Foster was named second team All-American by the AP. He led the HSU secondary with 78 stops, forced a pair of fumbles and returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns.    His second season as the defensive coordinator was a huge success as the Cowboys were the top scoring and total yardage defense in the conference. The Cowboys allowed 17.5 points per game and 286.3 yards per contest.   HSU went 10-1 overall and 6-0 in ASC play in 2024.    Neece’s defense was led by All-American Charlie Patterson in 2024. Patterson as the ASC Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-American by D3football.com, the AFCA, AP and Walter Camp. He was also the region’s defensive player of the year and a Campbell Trophy and Cliff Harris Award semifinalist.    HSU had 21 All-ASC selections on the defensive side of the ball.    Before HSU, Neece was the defensive coordinator at Illinois College during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.    In 2023, his defense ranked in the top 20 in every statistical category. It was first nationally in tackles for loss, second in total yards per play and defensive touchdowns, third in average yards per game, total defense, third-down percentage and team defensive efficiency, fourth in interceptions, fifth in pass yards per attempt, eighth in rushing defense and 10th in total turnovers.    In 2022, Illinois College was first nationally in opponent pass yards allowed, second in pass yards per attempt, second in defensive interceptions returned for touchdowns, third in defensive efficiency, fourth in tackles for loss, ninth in defensive touchdowns and 10th in third-down percentage.    Neece has mentored 26 all-conference players, five all-region selections, one All-American, three defensive conference players of the year and one Cliff Harris Award Nominee. He’s coached six NFL players, three of whom were drafted.    Neece also coached at Toledo, Butler, Missouri Baptist and MacMurray College.    He played collegiately at DePauw University from 2011 to 2014 and also played in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League.   A native of St. Louis, he has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from DePauw and a master’s in sports management from Missouri Baptist.    He and his wife, Katie, were married in 2019 and have a daughter, Hadley, and a son, Carson.