Darius Safford Promoted to Assistant Head Coach
12/30/2025 10:54:00 AM | Football
Coach called the defense in the bowl victory
STATESBORO - Georgia Southern head football coach Clay Helton announced Tuesday the promotion of Darius Safford to assistant head coach of the Eagles. He will also continue to coach the defensive backs.
"I am pleased to announce that Darius Safford has been promoted to assistant head coach," Helton said. "Darius is as True Blue as they come and his passion for Georgia Southern is evident in everything he does. He stepped into the role of acting defensive coordinator for our bowl game and did an outstanding job leading our defensive staff and players in that moment. As a former Eagle player, he understands the standard, the culture and what this program means to our university and our fans. His leadership, work ethic and ability to connect with our players make him deserving of this opportunity, and we are thrilled to see him continue to grow and impact our football family in this expanded role as he continues to coach our defensive backs."
Safford was the acting defensive coordinator in Georgia Southern's victory over App State in Monday's JLab Birmingham Bowl, helping formulate a game plan that limited the Mountaineers to just 10 points and 379 yards of total offense while forcing four interceptions. In 2024, his presence was felt as the Eagle secondary saw quick improvement under his tutelage. Chance Gamble and Marc Stampley II were named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference as the duo led a cornerback group that recorded nine interceptions in 2024.
"I want to thank Coach Helton, Chris Davis and Dr. Kyle Marrero for allowing me to represent this historic program and amazing institution," Safford said. "I'm extremely humbled and honored to be given this opportunity. I vow to give my all to Eagle Nation and everyone who wore the Blue and White. HAIL SOUTHERN AND NO PLACE ELSE!"
As a player, Safford finished his career playing for the Blue & White in 2013, recording 21 tackles, including 4.0 for loss, and four pass breakups as a cornerback. He began his collegiate coaching career in 2015 and served as a graduate assistant at Georgia Southern under new defensive coordinator Mike Mutz. While in Statesboro his first time, the defense was ranked in multiple statistical categories. This defense ranked 21st in total defense (338.1 yards per game) and 38th in scoring defense (23.5 points per game). Safford coached multiple defensive backs who received All-Sun Belt honors, including Antonio Glover and Ironhead Gallon. Glover was a 2015 All-Sun Belt First-Team selection and was an undrafted free agent signed by the Denver Broncos. Gallon was a 2015 All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention, a 2016 All-Sun Belt First-Team selection, and an undrafted free agent who signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Safford also coached Caleb Williams and Darius Jones, who were All-Sun Belt Honorable Mentions in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
"I am pleased to announce that Darius Safford has been promoted to assistant head coach," Helton said. "Darius is as True Blue as they come and his passion for Georgia Southern is evident in everything he does. He stepped into the role of acting defensive coordinator for our bowl game and did an outstanding job leading our defensive staff and players in that moment. As a former Eagle player, he understands the standard, the culture and what this program means to our university and our fans. His leadership, work ethic and ability to connect with our players make him deserving of this opportunity, and we are thrilled to see him continue to grow and impact our football family in this expanded role as he continues to coach our defensive backs."
Safford was the acting defensive coordinator in Georgia Southern's victory over App State in Monday's JLab Birmingham Bowl, helping formulate a game plan that limited the Mountaineers to just 10 points and 379 yards of total offense while forcing four interceptions. In 2024, his presence was felt as the Eagle secondary saw quick improvement under his tutelage. Chance Gamble and Marc Stampley II were named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference as the duo led a cornerback group that recorded nine interceptions in 2024.
"I want to thank Coach Helton, Chris Davis and Dr. Kyle Marrero for allowing me to represent this historic program and amazing institution," Safford said. "I'm extremely humbled and honored to be given this opportunity. I vow to give my all to Eagle Nation and everyone who wore the Blue and White. HAIL SOUTHERN AND NO PLACE ELSE!"
As a player, Safford finished his career playing for the Blue & White in 2013, recording 21 tackles, including 4.0 for loss, and four pass breakups as a cornerback. He began his collegiate coaching career in 2015 and served as a graduate assistant at Georgia Southern under new defensive coordinator Mike Mutz. While in Statesboro his first time, the defense was ranked in multiple statistical categories. This defense ranked 21st in total defense (338.1 yards per game) and 38th in scoring defense (23.5 points per game). Safford coached multiple defensive backs who received All-Sun Belt honors, including Antonio Glover and Ironhead Gallon. Glover was a 2015 All-Sun Belt First-Team selection and was an undrafted free agent signed by the Denver Broncos. Gallon was a 2015 All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention, a 2016 All-Sun Belt First-Team selection, and an undrafted free agent who signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Safford also coached Caleb Williams and Darius Jones, who were All-Sun Belt Honorable Mentions in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
DB
/ FootballGeorgia Southern Football Media Availability (12/29/25)
Tuesday, December 30
Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State Highlights: JLab Birmingham Bowl (12/29/25)
Monday, December 29
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability: JLab Birmingham Bowl (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
