Former Tiger lands FCS coaching job

This former All-SEC linebacker is the first hire for new North Alabama head coach Brent Dearmon.

In what has become a trend, a former Auburn football player has climbed the ladder in college coaching.

After spending a season as a graduate assistant for Gus Malzahn and Travis Williams at UCF, former Auburn linebacker [autotag]Deshaun Davis[/autotag] has landed a full-time coaching job at an in-state school.

North Alabama head coach Brent Dearmon, who was hired by the University on Dec. 3, has announced that Davis will be the first addition to his staff, and will serve as linebackers coach for the Lions.

Dearmon got to know Davis from his days as a high school athlete. Dearmon served as offensive coordinator for Vigor High School during Davis’ early days as a varsity player. Dearmon also played a role in Davis signing with Auburn during his time as an analyst under Malzahn from 2013-14.

Davis says that he is excited about the opportunity to lead a position group at North Alabama.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity and extremely excited to have the chance to really control my own room and bring my passion and personality to these young student-athletes,” Davis said in a statement. “I am also coming back to my home state and coaching there will feel like home. My relationship with Coach Dearmon also goes back to when I was in high school and I know his passion for coaching. I’m excited about all the great things we are going to do at North Alabama on and off the field.”

Davis made 266 total stops over his four-year career at Auburn from 2015-18. His best season was in 2018, when he made 116 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

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