The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will have a new defensive coordinator next season.
David Calloway, who led the Golden Lion defense the past two seasons, was announced Wednesday evening as the new defensive coordinator and associate head coach at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA school in Marshall, Mo.
The announcement was made by new MVC head coach LaQuentin Black on social media. Black was hired as the school’s head man earlier this month.
UAPB Coach Alonzo Hampton hired Calloway when he took over the Golden Lions program ahead of the 2023 season. In addition to his coordinator duties, Calloway also coached the defensive line.
This past season, UAPB’s defense ranked 11th in the SWAC in points allowed, 10th in total yards, 10th in rushing yards and seventh in passing yards. The Golden Lions ranked fourth in interceptions, ninth in fumbles recovered, 10th in fumbles forced, and last in sacks.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This marks the second straight season UAPB has had a change at coordinator. Hampton’s original offensive coordinator hire, Bobby Acosta, left to move closer to his family in New Jersey and took a high school head coaching position. Hampton responded by hiring Tony Hull.
The search for a new defensive coordinator comes with the school already needing a new wide receivers coach.
Lawann Latson left last month after one season with UAPB to join Sam Shade’s staff at Alabama A&M. Latson coached with Shade at Miles College before coming to Pine Bluff. He helped recruit and develop wide receivers such as JaVonnie Gibson, who has since transferred to Oklahoma after an All-SWAC performance.