David Gibbs is entering his first season as the Lumberjacks' defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. A former Lumberjack All-American, Gibbs begins his second stint on the Lumberjack sideline.

An eight-year coaching veteran at the collegiate level, Gibbs comes 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 overall at stopping the run, while helping guide A&M-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, Marcus Smith, and two all-region honorees.

Gibbs began his coaching career in 1989 as a student assistant at SFA, before being promoted to assistant coach for defensive tackles, where he served for the next six seasons. During his final five seasons, Gibbs also took on the role of recruiting coordinator where he 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 Lumberjacks 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.

Following his eight-year stay in Nacogdoches, Gibbs went into the high school ranks where he served as a defensive coordinator and recruiting liaison. Fourteen of his former players continued their playing careers on the college level.

During his playing days, Gibbs, along with current Lumberjack assistant coach Eric Lokey, 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 was key in helping SFA record its first 10-win season in school history, and advance to the quarterfinals of the 1988 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. SFA spent nine weeks ranked among the nation's top 20 that season, including two weeks at No. 1, before finishing ninth overall.

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