OGDEN, Utah (January 10, 2016)- Southern Utah defensive coordinator Demario Warren will be the next head coach of the Thunderbirds.
Southern Utah athletic director Jason Butikofer made the announcement in a press release Sunday. Warren will officially be introduced to the public at a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday in the Zion Room in the Sharwan Smith Center.
“As we entered this process, I had a high level of confidence that Demario was an up-and-comer in this industry, and a key component of how this program has been built over the past eight years,” Butikofer said.
“Through this exhaustive search process, Demario emerged as a great leader that is focused and ready to sustain and elevate this program. There is no doubt that Demario is 100% committed to the future success of SUU football.”
Warren spent the past eight seasons with Southern Utah University, the last two serving as the defensive coordinator for one of the top defensive units in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
During his tenure, Coach Warren developed four draft-rated prospects, including James Cowser, Miles Killebrew, LeShaun Sims and Dion Turner. Warren has had 18 All-Conference performers in eight years, including nine defensive starters earning All Big-Sky honors during the 2015 Big Sky championship season. In 2015, the Thunderbirds’ defense led the nation in turnover margin.
“My family and I are extremely excited for the opportunity to lead this special program," Warren said. "We are so grateful to Jason Butikofer, President Scott Wyatt and Eric Leavitt for choosing me to succeed my mentor and friend, Ed Lamb. I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout this process. I look forward to growing and expanding the relationships with the Cedar City, alumni and campus community.”
A native of Fairfield, California, Warren earned an undergraduate degree in African-American studies from UC Davis, where he played for the Aggies, and earned an MBA degree from the University of Phoenix. Warren and his wife, Amanda, have three children: Demario, Jr. (11), Jazelle (6) and Daylee (2).