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David Gibbs

Position: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Experience: Fourth Season

David Gibbs is entering his fourth season as SFA's defensive coordinator. Following two seasons of working with the SFA linebackers, Gibbs will return to the secondary to coach the Lumberjack safeties in 2011.

The Lumberjack defense was one of the most improved units in the country in 2009. Led by All-Americans Tim Knicky and Jabara Williams, SFA led the Southland Conference in total defense, scoring defense, rush defense, pass efficiency defense, sacks and tackles for losses.

The Lumberjack defense remained at the top of the conference in 2010. SFA led the league in total defense during conference games surrendering less than 317 yards per game. Senior linebacker Jabara Williams and Kenneth Charles received numerous All-America honors, and Williams was once again named as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. The 2010 season also marked the second consecutive year that SFA has had a player named league defensive player of the year (Tim Knicky and Jabara Williams).

Over the course of the past three seasons, Gibbs' defense has produced two of the SLC's more intimidating athletes Knicky, who was named 2009 league defensive player of the year and signed a free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers, and Williams who was recently drafted by the NFL's St. Louis Rams.

In addition to the NFL selections, several athletes have received individual honors under Gibbs' guidance. A former All-American during his playing days, Gibbs has coached 21 all-conference selections, including nine first-team honorees, 14 All-Americans, two SLC Defensive Players of the Year and one league newcomer of the year.

In each of the past three seasons, Gibbs' players have shown a knack for getting to the quarterback. The Lumberjacks have led the SLC in sacks all three years. SFA recorded 40 sacks last season, nine more than anyone else in the league. The 'Jacks finished the 2010 campaign ranked third in the country in sacks (3.42 pg) and fourth in the nation in tackles for losses (8.33 pg).

Gibbs came to SFA from Texas A&M-Commerce where he was the defensive coordinator for one of the top defensive units in the nation. The Lions finished 31st in the country in total defense, and 26th in run defense, while helping guide Commerce to its first LSC North Division title in school history. Gibbs' defense produced six first-team all-conference selections, including the conference defensive lineman of the year, and two all-region honorees.

Gibbs began his coaching career in 1989 as a student assistant at SFA, before being promoted to defensive tackle coach, where he served for the next six seasons. During his final five seasons, Gibbs also took on the role of recruiting coordinator and helped bring in some of the biggest names to wear the Lumberjack uniform.

During that time, SFA had five nationally ranked teams, including two top-five squads (1989 and 1995). The 'Jacks set a school record for wins (12 in 1989), recorded their highest finish in the NCAA Division I-AA poll (3rd in 1989), won an SLC title and advanced to the finals of the 1989 Division I-AA playoffs and the semifinals of the 1995 playoffs.

During his playing days, Gibbs helped produce one of the best defenses in school history. A four-year letterman, Gibbs wrapped up his collegiate career by earning first-team All-America honors.

Gibbs received two bachelor degrees from SFA. He and his wife, Katy, have two sons, Benjamin and Harrison.