TROY, ALABAMA — Former Bulldog Star Dontae Wright will be the new Troy University defensive coordinator and safeties coach and work with newly hired Head Coach Gerad Parker the school announced.
A native of Louisa, Kentucky, Wright earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Miami in 2007. Wright is married to the former Jillian Slone, and the couple is expecting their first child in June.
Wright takes over Troy’s defensive coordinator role following four seasons on Neal Brown’s staff at West Virginia where he coached the Mountaineers’ safeties.
Wright was a graduate assistant at Kentucky from 2007-09, working with the linebackers his first season and the defensive line the last two. During his time in Lexington, the Wildcats made two Music City Bowl appearances and one Liberty Bowl trip.
As a player, Wright was a four-year linebacker at Miami (Ohio) from 2003-06 and was a part of two Mid-American Conference East Division championship teams. The RedHawks won the conference outright in 2003, earning a spot in the GMAC Bowl. They won a division crown in 2004 and participated in the Independence Bowl.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Alan Short
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Obviously very proud of Gerad in becoming the Head Football Coach at Troy University. Obtaining this position is something he has worked for his entire career.”
“… Equally as proud of Dontae for being selected as the Defensive Coordinator at Troy. ‘I am glad to call both of them my friends.’
“… It is amazing to me the Coaching tree that comes from Lawrence County. Jason Michael, Gerad, Dontae, and the late Phil Ratliff have all gone on to do great things at the collegiate and professional football level.”
“… The successes of these men shows our current students that Lawrence County Alumni can be successful on a national level. These men have all chased down big dreams. I am excited to see their future success.”