Keith Scott enters his second season with the Governors, returning to his role coaching the team’s spurs (nickelbacks).
In his first season at Austin Peay, Scott coached Kordell Jackson to consensus All-American honors after he led the Ohio Valley Conference with seven interceptions and 10 turnovers gained. Scott’s defensive unit was part of a group that was ranked 13th among FCS teams with 25 turnovers gained and 12th in total defense (307.5 yards allowed per game).
Prior to joining the Governors, Scott previous coached three seasons at Eastern Illinois, five seasons at Arkansas-Monticello as well as tenures at Central Arkansas, Mississippi Valley State and Prairie View A&M. He is a 2005 graduate of Arkansas-Pine Bluff where he played 30 games for the Golden Lions as a defensive back.
SCOTT’S CAREER SUMMARY
AUSTIN PEAY (2019-20)
2020: Added special teams coordinator to his duties during the Govs fall schedule. This spring, returns to solely coach the Govs nickel backs, rebranded as Spurs under head coach Scotty Walden.
2019: In his first season at Austin Peay, Scott coached Kordell Jackson to consensus All-American honors after he led the Ohio Valley Conference with seven interceptions and 10 turnovers gained. Scott’s defensive unit was part of a group that was ranked 13th among FCS teams with 25 turnovers gained and 12th in total defense (307.5 yards allowed per game).
EASTERN ILLINOIS (2016-18)
2018: Returned for third season in Charleston, second with the Panthers’ safeties.
2017: Took over Panthers safeties group prior to the season and his unit was part of a defense that ranked among the top 40 in the FCS in both pass defense (38th, 198.1 ypg) and pass efficiency defense (1118.09). Coached Second Team All-OVC safety Bradley Dewberry, who finished third on the team with 68 tackles along with three interceptions and three passes broken up.
2016: Hired as assistant coach over the Panthers linebackers in July 2016. He coached First Team All-OVC selection Seth McDonald, who led the team and finished fourth in the OVC in tackles (99), his 9.0 tackles per game ranking 35th in the FCS. He also coached Nick Horne, who finished second among EIU defenders in tackles (74), tackles for loss (12.0) and sacks (5.0).
ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO (2011-15)
2015: Defensive unit ranked third among GAC programs in passing defense (189.7 ypg) and its 4.91 tackles for loss per game was 18th among Division II teams. Linebacker Ofisa Kose was an honorable mention All-GAC pick after recording 107 tackles, his 9.7 tackles per game ranking fourth in the Great American Conference.
2014: UAM defense led the GAC and ranked 27th among Division II teams in passing defense (184.0 ypg) and fourth in fumbles recovered (12). Cornerback Mike Early was a First Team All-GAC pick after ranking second among GAC defenders in interceptions (4) and passes defended (12). Linebacker Keith Reynolds picking up honorable mention All-GAC honors.
2013: Boll Weevils defense led the GAC in third-down defense (33.3 percent), passing defense (169.4 ypg), and pass efficiency defense (107.98), ranking among DIvision II’s Top 25 in each category. Prior defensive tackle Calvin Ursin was named First Team All-GAC and cornerback Mike Early was an honorable mention selection.
2012: Arkansas-Monticello defense ranked second in the GAC in pass defense (186.18 ypg).
2011: Named defensive coordinator in January 2011. His 2011 UAM defense led the GAC in both tackles for loss (96) and interceptions (17), ranking 10th and 29th among NCAA Division II programs, respectively. The Boll Weevils also were second in the GAC in turnovers gained (26), third in third-down defense and third in total defense. Three Weevil defenders were named Second Team All-GAC: linebacker Abraham Felton, cornerback Eric Crocker, and defensive tackle Calvin Ursin.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS (2010)
2010: In lone season at Central Arkansas as the defensive backs coach, his unit helped UCA lead the Southland Conference in passing defense (204.18 ypg), scoring defense (21.2), and turnover margin (+0.73). Coached defensive back Jestin Love, a Second Team All-SLC selection as a freshman, and Seth Allison an honorable mention All-SLC pick.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (2007-09)
2009: Promoted to defensive coordinator and Prairie View A&M finished ranked second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in sacks (30), third in pass defense (177.91 ypg), and allowed just 12 passing touchdowns. Coached defensive lineman Quinton Spears and defensive back Anthony Beck, each First Team All-SWAC selections. Beck also was a Third Team Sports Network All-America selection that season.
2007: Hired as defensive assistant coach and helped a PVAM defense that ranked second among SWAC programs in passing defense (189.27 ypg), and 38th among FCS programs.
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M (2005-06)
2005-06: Began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Prairie View A&M.
COLLEGIATE PLAYING CAREER (2002-05)
A 2005 graduate of Arkansas–Pine Bluff, where he was a three-year starter at defensive back for the Golden Lions, recoding four interceptions in 30 career games played.
