BEAUMONT, Texas – Matt Weikert has been named Lamar University defensive coordinator announced head coach Blane Morgan Wednesday afternoon. One of the top young defensive minds in the game, Weikert will work with the Cardinals' inside linebackers.
 
"First and foremost, Matt is someone I've worked with for a number of years," said Morgan. "I want this coaching staff to be a group of men that I trust and we're moving forward in the same direction. Matt is a man of character, a strong leader and an incredible coach. He, and his family, will add not only to LU football but to Beaumont and the entire Golden Triangle. I'm very excited to have Matt join our staff."
 
Weikert comes to Beaumont after spending the previous season in the Southeastern Conference working at Vanderbilt. During his time in Nashville, Weikert coached the program's outside linebackers.
 
Prior to his time working with the Commodores, Weikert spent 12 seasons at the Air Force Academy, including nine as outside linebackers' coach. He also spent time working with the Falcons' defensive line and inside linebackers.
 
Weikert helped transform the USAFA defense into one of the top units in the Mountain West Conference, ranking among the league leaders in scoring, rushing, passing and total defense. During the 2009 season, the Falcons produced one of their top defenses in program history. The defense led the conference and ranked fifth nationally in pass defense with 154.3 yards per game. The defense was second in the conference and ranked 11^th nationally in total defense, surrendering just 288.3 yards per contest. Air Force also ranked 10^th nationally that season in scoring defense (15.7 ppg), the program's best mark since 1988.
 
Weikert got his start at Wake Forest as a recruiting intern and has served two stints with the Demon Deacons. Following his initial stop at Wake Forest, Weikert joined the Chattanooga coaching staff serving as the Mocs linebackers' coach.