Southern Utah University Director of Athletics Jason Butikofer has announced tonight that Demario Warren has been named as the 12th Head Football Coach in program history.
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, has 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 in first-team All-American, James Cowser, Miles Killebrew, LeShaun Sims and Dion Turner. Warren has had 18 All-Conference performers in eight years, including nine out of eleven defensive players 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. 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.”
Coach Warren arrived to SUU from UC Davis, where he was a three-year letterman at running back before injuries cut short his career during his senior season. Coach Warren earned a starting spot with the Aggies in 2005 as a redshirt freshman when he finished second on the team in rushing.
A native of Fairfield, California, Coach Warren earned his bachelor's degree in African-American studies from UC Davis 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).
Coach Warren will be formally introduced at a press conference at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 11, in the Zion room inside the Sharwan Smith Center on the campus of Southern Utah University. The media, campus and community are invited to attend.
Reactions to Coach Warren's Hiring:
James Cowser (Played DE for Warren)
"He was the first person to see that I could make an impact now, instead of waiting to develop. I'm excited. I think the program is headed in the right direction. Everyone just wants to keep going with what we had and I think Coach Warren will do a great job."
Bob Biggs (Warren's Collegiate Coach)
"I think you got a great young head coach, Demario is like a son to me. He's going to be great because of his integrity, family values, work ethic, and he's going to relate so well to recruits and players that come to Southern Utah."
Ed Lamb (Former SUU Head Football Coach)
"I think it's a great decision by Jason because Demario has already been doing it. I can't separate the success we've had over the last eight years without Demario in it. He's been in every aspect of what we do and there's nothing he has not done within the program. I'm 100 percent confident in him and could not be more confident in the hire."
LeShaun Sims (Played CB for Warren)
"I'm happy for him, I think it's been a long time coming for him. When you look at all the DB's he's produced it's definitely not a coincidence. SUU is definitely in great hands."
Justin Ena (Former Defensive Coordinator for SUU)
"We started together at the same time at SUU, Demario has a brilliant mind. He's quick, knows how to make adjustments very fast and is a very loyal person. Demario will do great things at SUU because of his passion, his energy, and his influence on the young men that he comes across."
