A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Douglas enters his third season as the Cardinals co-defensive coordinator. A coaching veteran of more than 30 years, the majority of which has been spent at the FBS level, Douglas has a long track record of sending players on to the NFL. Over the course of his career, he has sent nearly 20 players on to the next level.
Among those who have advanced on to play in the NFL include Tracy Porter (Oakland Raiders), Mike Jenkins (Oakland Raiders), Nate Allen (Philadelphia Eagles), Da’Norris Searcy (Buffalo Bills) and Jerome Murphy (Washington Redskins). Following the 2018 season, senior Rodney Randle, Jr., added his name to that list signing a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Cardinals produced one of the most opportunistic secondaries in the nation last season. Big Red ranked among the nation’s top 10 with 17 interceptions, with one returned for a score, in 2018.Â
Five players from the defensive side of the ball landed on the postseason All-Southland squad last year, including consensus All-American Davon Jernigan who ranked among the national leaders with four interceptions. Two of the Cardinals’ defensive selections came from the secondary.
During Douglas’ first season with the Red and White, he produced one of the nation’s top corners in Nate Jones. A junior college transfer, Jones had an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball leading the league and finishing fifth nationally in interceptions. For his efforts, Jones garnered second-team All-Southland honors. Big Red’s defense produced two all-conference selections in 2017.
Douglas’ coaching trek has made stops at Pittsburgh, Iowa State, North Carolina, South Florida, Indiana and Michigan State. He also has a familiarity with the state of Texas having spent four seasons at SMU and two at UTEP. In addition to his time in Texas, Douglas has also made FCS level coaching stops at East Tennessee State and Appalachian State.
Prior to his arrival at LU, Douglas spent one season at Pittsburgh coaching defensive backs. Before making his way into the Southland Conference, Douglas spent two years at Iowa State where he developed three All-Big 12 performers.Â
Prior to his stint with the Cyclones, Douglas coached the defensive backs at North Carolina for three years (2009-11). The Tar Heels intercepted 38 passes over the 2009 and 2010 campaigns, ranking among the nation’s top 12 in that category each season.
From 2006-08, Douglas worked with the defensive backs at South Florida, helping the Bulls to three bowl bids. USF corner Mike Jenkins was a first-team All-American and the 2008 first-round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys. In 2007, USF led the country in fumble recoveries and turnovers gained, while ranking fourth in interceptions. In 2008, the Bulls ranked 10th nationally in total defense.
In 2004 and 2005, Douglas coached at Indiana and worked with corner Tracy Porter, who went on to become an All-Big Ten performer and second-round pick of the New Orleans Saints.
Douglas’ additional coaching stops include South Carolina State (2003), Michigan State (2001-02), SMU (1997-2000), UTEP (1995-96), East Tennessee State (1992-94) and West Chester (1989-91).
A standout collegiate player himself, Douglas was a four-year starter at wide receiver for Appalachian State (1983-86), compiling 90 receptions for 1,401 yards to rank among the school’s all-time top five. He earned his bachelor’s degree from ASU in 1988.
Douglas and his wife, Rebecca, have two children, son Tanner and daughter Taryn.Â
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