CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University head football coach David Dean has announced the addition of three new members to the Statesmen coaching staff, strengthening key areas on both sides of the ball ahead of the upcoming season.
Joining the program are Tripp Thomas as Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach, Roshmel Young as assistant coach for wide receivers, and Clay Isbell as assistant coach for special teams and running backs.
Thomas arrives in Cleveland after serving as defensive coordinator at Colorado School of Mines, where Thomas led one of the nation's best units as Mines made its inaugural trip to the NCAA Division II Championship game. The Orediggers' 71 sacks led every level of college football as linebacker Nolan Reeve tied Mines' single-season individual record with 13.5. The Orediggers also led NCAA Division II in turnovers gained with 33 and ranked fifth nationally in defensive touchdowns with five. Mines' entire starting defensive 11 earned all-RMAC honors and cornerback Mason Pierce went on to win all-America honors.
"I am really excited with the addition of Coach Thomas as the Defensive Coordinator to our staff." Head Coach David Dean said, "He has a reputation of producing fundamentally sound defenses and has been successful everywhere he has been. Just talking with him, you can tell easily how much he loves the game of football and teaching the game of football to young men. He has a high energy personality, and I believe that will feed our defensive players."
Thomas oversaw all aspects of the defense, including game planning, player development, and daily operations. He also has experience coaching linebackers and working in strength and conditioning at Southwest Baptist. Thomas earned his bachelor's degree from Graceland University and has built a reputation for disciplined, aggressive defensive units.
Young joins the Statesmen as wide receivers coach, bringing experience in developing pass-catching units and contributing to offensive game plans. Known for his ability to connect with players and elevate skill position performance, Young will play a key role in enhancing Delta State's aerial attack. Young joins the Statesmen coaching staff after after having experience as a receivers and running backs coach along with being an offensive coordinator on the high school and the division I level. Young has contributed to one of the top offensive attacks at Eastern Kentucky University as the Offensive Quality Control and Wide Receivers Coach in the 2021 and 22 seasons. In the 2022 season, the Colonels were ranked third in the nation in passing offense averaging 329.7 yards per game.
"Coach Young and I have quite a history together." Dean mentioned, "I was able to recruit Roshmel out of high school and he became an outstanding Wide Receiver and special teams player for his entire career, including one that finished with a National Championship. He was a very smart player and great leader in his playing years, so I knew he would one day be a successful coach. We are fortunate that he accepted my offer to Coach our Wide Receivers and I feel very confident in his ability to get the very best out of them every day."
Isbell brings a strong special teams background along with experience coaching running backs. Most recently, he served as an assistant special teams coordinator at Coastal Carolina, contributing to one of the Sun Belt's top-performing units. He previously coordinated special teams and coached multiple positions at Mars Hill, where his units earned national rankings, including a top-five kickoff return team. Isbell also held roles at Wisconsin-Whitewater, Tusculum, and Chattanooga. He holds a master's degree in school leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
"Clay will be a solid addition to our offensive staff coaching our Running Backs." Dean said, "He has a lot of experience at the Division 2 level, so he understands the athletes that play at this level, which will bode well for recruiting and academic success across our team. He has been a very successful Special Teams Coach; thus, he will serve as our Special Teams Coordinator."
The trio will immediately begin working with the Statesmen as preparations continue for the upcoming season.
For more information on Delta State football, visit GoStatesmen.com.
