Darrin Hayes Position: Defensive Coordinator/DB Coach

Darrin J. Hayes is in his sixth season as Defensive Coordinator and defensive backs coach at Jackson State University. In 2009, the "Dark Side Defense" was ranked number one in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) for the third consecutive season. The defense was number one in total defense (259 yards/game), number one in pass defense (150.7 yards/game), number one in Red Zone Defense, and number two in rushing defense (105.2 yards/game). The Secondary was also ranked near the top of all SWAC/NCAA categories and boasts two All-Americans, seniors Anthony Johnson and Kerry Hoskins. The "Dark Side Defense" was ranked eighth in the NCAA in total defense, third in tackles for loss, and led the SWAC in the same category.

In 2010, the Jackson State defense was ranked third in the SWAC in pass defense efficiency (96.7).

In 2008, JSU's defense was ranked first in the SWAC in total defense (238.5 yards/game), rushing defense (76.5 yards/game), and pass defense (162 yards/game). In the NCAA D-1 FCS, JSU's defense was second in total defense and tackles for loss, fourth in sacks, fifth in rushing, and tenth in pass defense.

In 2007, the JSU defense was ranked in the top three of five SWAC defensive categories. JSU was ranked number one in total defense (282.2 yards/game) and rushing defense (82.2 yards/game). The Tigers were second in sacks (37 for 272 yard) and third in pass defense efficiency (106.3) and red zone defense (65.9 %). Nationally, Jackson State was ranked number five in rushing defense and number eight in total defense. JSU defensive back, Domonique Johnson was named the Defensive MVP of the 2007 SWAC Championship game.

In 2006, Hayes' defensive unit was ranked number one in the SWAC in rushing defense and was number seven in the NCAA. The Tigers were also number 16 in the NCAA in total defense.

At JSU, Hayes has coached six All-Americans: SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Linebacker, Marcellas Speaks; Defensive End Donavan Robinson; Safety Kerry Hoskins; and Corner Anthony Johnson. Hayes has had three All-American players sign with NFL teams (Marcus Beard with Cleveland, Domonique Johnson with New York, and Marcell Young with New Orleans.

Hayes came to JSU from Tuskegee University, where he served as Defensive Coordinator. Hayes' defensive unit was the number one defense in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (third in NCAA) in 2005. His defense was ranked number one in every defensive category in the SIAC. They were number one against the run, the pass, in takeaways, and in points allowed.

Hayes is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a 1993 graduate of Knoxville College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Knoxville College and a Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Sports Administration.

Before accepting the Defensive Coordinator position at Tuskegee in 2005, Hayes coached five years at Lane College in Jackson, Tenn. In 2004, Hayes had the number defense in the SIAC. His secondary was ranked number one in the SIAC and his total defense was in the top five of the NCAA for four years. He has coached 3 All-Americans during his tenure.

Hayes served as Lane's Defensive Coordinator for three years (2000-2002) before elevating to the head coaching position in 2003. Hayes' first coaching experience came at his alma mater, Knoxville College (1994-97), where he served his first two years as defensive backs coach and the third year as defensive coordinator, where he had the number one total defense in the nation.

He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the American Football Coaches Association, the Black Coaches Association, and the Great Light 300 Masonic Lodge.