Football Head Coach Brent Dearmon is set to start the 2026 season with two new coordinators at his side.
The Lions have announced the 2026 coaching staff, highlighted by newly hired Defensive Coordinator Clint Bowen and Offensive Coordinator Travis Partridge, hired in Dec. 2025.
Partridge joined the pride after one season at Bowling Green University, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and pass game coordinator. He replaces Morgan Cruce, who recently stepped away from coaching. The hire reunites Partridge with Dearmon after the two worked together at the University of Kansas.
“Travis Partridge is a home run hire for us,” Dearmon said. “Bringing in an [Football Bowl Subdivision] caliber coordinator will allow me to facilitate all aspects of the program even more with my hands off of the offense. Travis has been successful at multiple [Football Championship Subdivision] programs and coached the QB position at an extremely-high level.”
Partridge served as offensive coordinator at Tennessee State in 2024, helping the Tigers reach the FCS Playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. Consistently, his quarterbacks at TSU and UT Martin ranked among the top passers in their respective conferences.
On the defensive side, “veteran” Clint Bowen arrives from Oklahoma State, where he served as interim defensive coordinator throughout 2025, helping to orchestrate the late-season turnaround for the Cowboys’ defense.
With more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, Bowen replaces Brock Caraboa, who accepted a position as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M – Texarkana.
“Clint Bowen is one of the smartest defensive minds I have been around in football,” Dearmon said. “The experience and knowledge he will bring to our staff will be of great benefit. He has been a coordinator in the Big 12 on multiple occasions and has learned how to adapt his defense to best fit his players.”
Dearmon also announced other changes in staff. Colby Ellis returns to UNA as wide receivers coach after previously serving on staff through 2020-22. Max Halpin leaves Missouri State to join as offensive line coach and run game coordinator. UNA Hall of Famer Michael Johnson moves from running backs to linebackers coach. Vincent “Bo” Jackson is promoted to outside linebackers coach.
