Walden Names Kelvin Sigler Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach

12/23/2023 11:20:00 AM

EL PASO – UTEP Football Head Coach Scotty Walden announced Kelvin Sigler as the Miners' new co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach on Saturday.

Sigler joins Walden's staff after coaching at Jacksonville State the past six seasons (2018-2023). Most recently, Sigler was the associate head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Gamecocks, including the last two seasons under Rich Rodriguez in 2022 and 2023.

"I have known Coach Sigler for many years and have had to compete against his defenses. I have always been impressed how well coached his players are," Walden said. "He is a veteran coach who has coordinated top level defenses and most recently helped the Jacksonville State defense ascend to new heights. His pedigree developing players and being an intricate part of dominating defenses will help lead the 'Orange Swarm' to playing great defense in the Sun Bowl! We are Blessed to have Coach Sigler, his wife Gemini and their family join us here in the Sun City!"

Jax State is coming off a successful first season as an FBS program. Sigler's efforts helped the Gamecocks to a 9-4 overall mark, 6-2 Conference USA record and a 34-31 overtime victory against Old Dominion in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 16. The Gamecocks' stingy defense ranked no. 1 in CUSA in scoring defense (21.2) and total defense (352.8). Jax State ranked top 30 nationally in scoring defense and top 45 in total defense. Five Jax State defensive players earned All-CUSA honors following the regular season. DE Chris Hardie was named first team, while DB's Jeremiah Harris and Dereck Carter were second team performers. DT Jeff Marks and LB Quae Drake earned honorable mention recognition.

As Rodriguez was filling his first staff at Jax State prior to the 2022 season, he announced that he would be re-hiring Sigler as a defensive assistant with the Gamecocks. Sigler spent the previous four seasons as the Gamecocks' associate head coach and coaching their safeties. He served as the team's defensive coordinator for the final three years of that stint.

His first season under Rodriguez was a successful one, as he helped lead the Gamecocks to a 9-2 record that included a perfect 5-0 record in conference play and the 2022 ASUN Conference Championship. His safeties group helped a defensive unit that was 15th in the nation in takeaways and first nationally in fumbles recovered.

When Sigler joined the JSU staff in the spring of 2018, he brought years of experience from multiple levels with him and that has carried over into a successful tenure with the Gamecocks.

His first season in 2018 was an impressive one, with both of his starting safeties grabbing All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and the Gamecocks winning an OVC-record fifth-straight conference title. In his second season, Bridges again earned All-America honors, while safety Traco Williams, linebacker Zack Woodard and defensive end DJ Coleman joined Bridges on the All-OVC defense.

His third season with the Gamecocks, his defense led the OVC in Total Defense and Rushing Defense and was a driving force in JSU winning its sixth OVC title in seven years and earning the No. 4 National Seed in the FCS Playoffs. The Gamecocks held a school-record nine-straight opponents under 100 yards rushing at one point during the season. His 2021 defense was second nationally with defensive touchdowns, second only to Montana's six.

Sigler spent two seasons (2016-2017) at South Alabama, where he was the Jaguars' cornerbacks coach. He coached first team All-Sun Belt performer CB Jeremy Reaves.

Prior to South Alabama, Sigler had a three-year stint (2013-15) at Northern Illinois as the cornerbacks coach. He mentored CB Shawun Lurry who was a FWAA first team All-American, Walter Camp second team All-American and AP third team All-American. CB Logan Paris was a first team All-MAC. The Huskies ranked tied fourth in the NCAA with 22 interceptions during the 2015 season.

Sigler was on the 2012 defensive staff at Alabama, where he helped the Crimson Tide to a 13-1 record and a 42-14 win over Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game.

He went to Alabama after serving four seasons as the head coach at Blount High School in Prichard, Ala., where he led the Leopards to four-straight playoff appearances and the school's first 10-win season since 1998 in 2011. He also served as a high school coach at Bob Jones and Greensboro High Schools.

Sigler lettered for four years at Alabama from 1995-98 at the defensive back position. During his career, Sigler intercepted six passes, led the team in tackles as a junior and was one of five permanent team captains his senior year.

Sigler has professional football experience, playing for the Tennessee Titans (1999), Miami Dolphins (2000) and AF2's Birmingham Steeldogs (2002).

Sigler received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Alabama in 2001.

Sigler has his wife Gemini, three daughters and two sons.

SIGLER'S COACHING CAREER
2019-23 – Jacksonville State (associate head coach/defensive coordinator/safeties coach)
2018 – Jacksonville State (associate head coach/safeties)
2016-17 – South Alabama (cornerbacks coach)
2013-15 – Northern Illinois (cornerbacks coach)
2012 – Alabama (defensive analyst)

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