The Blitz: Tracking assistant coaching changes

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The sub-FBS ranks have seen ten new head coaches since the beginning of November. The first task for a new head coach is assembling a coaching staff, whether by retaining members of the previous staff or hiring new assistant coaches. This week’s Blitz features what Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has heard regarding new coaching staff across Texas.

Southland Conference

  • Houston Christian coach Braxton Harris has made huge waves with multiple 3-star commitments since being named head coach of the Huskies. Sources indicate that Harris is retaining safeties coach Roger Hinshaw and defensive line coach Issac Mooring. HCU is expected to add Texas A&M-Kingsville defensive coordinator Jonathan Petty as cornerbacks coach and passing game coordinator, Howard Payne offensive coordinator Stoney Patton as wide receivers coach, HPU offensive line coach Ross Hornor as offensive line coach, and South Florida offensive graduate assistant Aaron Winchester as running backs coach.

  • Clint Killough has been busy since helping lead UIW to the FCS semifinals. Sources indicate that Killough is putting together an impressive staff. The Cardinals are expected to add North Texas co-defensive coordinator Jim Gush as defensive coordinator, USC support staff members Conner McQueen as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and Austin Woods as offensive line coach. California offensive quality control coach Kenny Hill is expected to coach the running backs, with Florida quality control coach Ty Darlington coaching the tight ends, and Navarro offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Willis White will coach the wide receivers.

  • Texas A&M-Commerce head coach Clint Dolezel is expected to retain seven members of the Lions coaching staff, including defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Kyle Williams, safeties coach Curtis Fuller, defensive line coach Michael Smith, and linebackers coach Jack Tyler. Members of the offensive staff expected to remain with the Lions are special teams coordinator and running backs coach Dr. Jack Welch, wide receivers coach Tyron Carrier, and tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator Scott Vestal.

  • Peter Rossomando began filling his staff at Lamar by retaining two members of the previous coaching staff. Wayne Cordova is remaining on staff and will coach safeties, while Coby Gipson will remain with the Cardinals as wide receivers coach, the team announced in a press release.

Western Athletic Conference

  • Minimal movement is expected within the WAC regarding changes to the coaching staff. Notably, Stephen F. Austin’s staff is expected to remain in place, according to sources, which would be welcomed by Lumberjacks coach Colby Carthel after SFA had eight full-time members of its staff depart following the 2021 season.

Lone Star Conference

  • According to sources, Angelo State is likely to keep the majority of its coaching staff intact following a run to the NCAA Division II semifinals. The Rams assistant coaches have been hot names in head coach searches but are preparing for another run at the national title next year.

  • Sources indicate that West Texas A&M coach Josh Lynn is finalizing his coaching staff, with an announcement expected after the staff is secured.

  • As mentioned above, Texas A&M-Kingsville defensive coordinator Jonathan Petty is expected to coach cornerbacks at Houston Christian. Petty arrived in Kingsville before the 2020 season and became defensive coordinator before the 2021 campaign.

American Southwest Conference

  • As mentioned above, Howard Payne head coach Kevin Bachtel is tasked with replacing offensive coordinator Stoney Patton and offensive line coach Ross Hornor after both are expected to accept positions on the Houston Christian staff. Patton is expected to serve as wide receivers coach while Hornor will coach the offensive line for the Huskies.

Sooner Athletic Conference

  • The lone sub-FBS coaching position in Texas that needs to be filled before the 2023 season is at Wayland Baptist. The Pioneers are searching for a new head coach after Butch Henderson resigned following 11 years at WBU. Henderson restarted the Pioneers football program in 2012 following a 72-year hiatus.

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