Photo courtesy: Texas State Athletics
Former CFL linebacker Dexter McCoil Sr. has been hired as the new safeties coach at Louisiana Tech University.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Dex to our staff,” head coach Sonny Cumbie said in a statement. “A Louisiana native with success at the highest level as a player, he will have a significant impact on our players and staff through his ability to teach, lead and connect.”
McCoil had spent the past three seasons at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, including the past two years as the defensive coordinator. The Bobcats went a combined 14-11 with him in charge of the defence, including a victory in the 2024 First Responders Bowl. Five members of his unit were named to All-Sun Belt teams during his tenure.
The 34-year-old began coaching at his alma mater, Lutcher High School, in 2018 while still playing in the CFL. He later spent time at East Ascension High School before jumping to the collegiate ranks as safeties coach for the University of the Incarnate Word in 2022.
McCoil last played with the Toronto Argonauts in 2021, recording 60 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions over 11 regular season games. He started the East Final at weak-side linebacker and made six total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in a close loss to Hamilton.
The six-foot-four, 220-pound defender was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2014 and a CFL all-star after posting 63 defensive tackles, 10 special teams tackles, four sacks, two touchdowns, and tying for the league lead with six interceptions in 18 games for Edmonton in 2014.
The following season saw the Metairie, La., native tally 71 defensive tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions en route to another West Division all-star nod. He finished that season off by helping the Green and Gold win the Grey Cup.
The University of Tulsa alum signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2016, playing 16 games and recording 25 tackles and one interception at safety. A move to the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2018 saw McCoil play 10 more NFL games, adding five tackles.
A brief stint back with the Chargers in 2019 prefaced McCoil’s return to the CFL in October of that year, when he played two games at the end of the season for the Calgary Stampeders. He made five total tackles and one interception in two games for the club.
McCoil finished his CFL career with 196 defensive tackles, 29 special teams tackles, 12 interceptions, eight sacks, and one forced fumble in 49 career games.
Louisiana Tech went 8-5 last season, ending with a victory over Coastal Carolina in the Independence Bowl.