Greg Stevens returns as SLU Offensive Coordinator

HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana has welcomed back Greg Stevens as offensive coordinator, Lion head football coach Ron Roberts announced on Thursday.

Stevens, whose hire is pending approval from the University of Louisiana System’s Board of Supervisors, returns to Hammond, where he was the offensive coordinator for Roberts’ first two seasons at SLU. His second season saw the Lions win the 2013 Southland Conference championship and make the program’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Playoffs.

“We’re excited to have Coach Stevens back as our offensive coordinator,” Roberts commented. “He has a great offensive mind and will be a tremendous addition to our staff. We’ve had a lot of success with Greg as our offensive coordinator and we’re looking forward to rekindling that success now that he’s back to help us compete for another Southland Conference championship.”

Stevens comes back to the Southeastern campus after spending four seasons as the offensive coordinator at Eastern Illinois. During his first season at EIU, the Panthers ranked among the national leaders in total offense (480.1 ypg, 13th), rushing offense (236.3 ypg, 11^th) and scoring offense (31.3 ppg, 38^th). His 2014 EIU offense featured a pair of All-Americans and six All-OVC performers.

Stevens’ debut season in Hammond saw the Lions post a 5-2 record in Southland Conference play. His 2012 SLU offense featured four All-Southland Conference performers. Stevens’ tutelage of quarterback Nathan Stanley led to the Lion senior’s participation in the East-West Shrine Game and the Casino del Sol Collegiate All-Star Classic.

The 2013 Southeastern offense was the most prolific in the history of the program under Stevens’ command. Led by Southland Conference Player of the Year and LSWA Offensive Player of the Year Bryan Bennett, SLU finished with an 11-3 record and a 7-0 mark in league play.

The Lion offense featured a pair of All-Americans in Bennett and running back Xavier Roberson, as Southeastern placed 10 offensive players on the All-Southland Conference teams. SLU set single-season records that still stand for rushing yards (3,271), rushing touchdowns (42), points scored (538) and total touchdowns (70). Bennett’s 3,145 yards passing and 21 passing touchdowns were among the best in school history, while the Lion quarterback also set a school record with 16 rushing touchdowns in his debut season under Stevens’ direction.

Stevens first worked with Roberts staff at Delta State. In his two years as offensive coordinator, the Statesmen advanced to the 2010 Division II national championship game and the 2011 national semifinals. His offenses both ranked 12^th nationally, as he mentored Micah Davis to a third place showing in the Harlon Hill Trophy voting and coached three-time All-American Trevar Deed – the only player in Gulf South Conference history to finish his career with 2,000 yards both rushing and receiving.

Prior to joining Roberts, Stevens spent four seasons as the wide receivers coach at Utah State. Offensive coordinator stints at Stephen F. Austin (2002-04) and Arkansas-Monticello (1999-2001) preceded his time at USU. Stevens also spent time at Mesa State (1992-94), Eastern Arizona (1995-97) and Snow Junior College (1998).

A 1992 graduate of Eastern Oregon, Stevens played quarterback at Snow JC before concluding his career at his alma mater.

Stevens replaces Matt Barrett, who served as the Lion offensive coordinator for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

The Lions will open spring practice on March 13. Southeastern officially opens the 2018 season on Sept. 1, when it travels to face FBS in-state opponent ULM.