Delta State Names David Dean as New Head Football Coach
Delta State University announced the hiring of David Dean as its new head football coach Thursday. Dean will be introduced at a press conference at 11 a.m. in the Simmons Room of the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni House, and the public is invited.
Kinnison cited Dean’s extensive coaching résumé, which includes more than 35 years of college coaching and a 127–47 record as a head coach. Dean has won three NCAA Division II national championships, finished as a national runner-up, and secured seven Gulf South Conference titles. He ranks as the second-winningest coach in GSC history, a highly competitive league.
Most recently, Dean served as head coach at the University of West Georgia from 2017 to 2023, where he became the school’s winningest coach with a 48–20 record. Under his leadership, the Wolves made three NCAA Division II playoff appearances, including back-to-back trips in 2017 and 2018, and again in 2021. His 2022 offense led all of Division II in total yards, reflecting his reputation as an innovative offensive strategist. During his tenure, West Georgia produced 40 All-Gulf South Conference players and 16 All-Americans, with two players signing NFL free agent contracts.
Dean is best known for his success at Valdosta State University, where he coached from 2007 to 2015. His 79–27 record included national titles in 2007 and 2012, and six playoff appearances. He was named AFCA National Coach of the Year twice and earned multiple regional and conference coaching honors. His VSU teams featured 18 Division II All-Americans and 10 players who signed NFL contracts. Dean also served as offensive coordinator during VSU’s 2004 national championship season.
He has Division I experience as well, having been co-offensive and passing game coordinator at Georgia Southern University in 2016. There, he helped improve passing efficiency and develop players who advanced to professional careers.
Dean expressed excitement about the opportunity, noting Delta State’s reputation in Division II football and the potential to recruit top athletes. A former wide receiver at Georgia Tech, he holds a degree in business management from Georgia State University. Dean has served on several national committees for the American Football Coaches Association and is active as a speaker and ambassador for college football.
He is a native of DeKalb County, Georgia, and played high school football for the Avondale Blue Devils. Dean is married to Stacie and has three daughters: Caroline, Allison, and Natalie. He begins his duties immediately to prepare for the upcoming season.
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