University of Charleston

University of Charleston

Quinn Sanders Named UC Head Football Coach

Following a national search in which over 80 applications were received, we found our new coach right at home. Sanders has served as the interim head coach for UC during the past few months and is a former player and 2011 UC graduate. He has been part of the university’s offensive coaching staff since 2015, serving as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks/recruiting coordinator.

In a press release, Athletic Director Bren Stevens said, “Coach Sanders’ work ethic, energy, professional demeanor, leadership, and loyalty to our university has been nothing short of remarkable. During his coaching tenure, Quinn has been promoted six times, including filling in as the interim head coach for the past several weeks. I am impressed with Quinn’s commitment to ensure that our football players have an incredible experience during their time with us, whether on the field, in the classroom, or in our residence halls. In addition, Quinn possesses a high level of emotional intelligence and his excitement to build strong relationships within the Charleston area is most exciting.”

The announcement was made at an on-campus press conference on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

“Upon learning that former head football coach, Pat Kirkland would be leaving the university, we immediately conducted a national search for the next head coach,” said UC Athletic Director Dr. Bren Stevens. “The search process contained over eighty applicants from across the country and all three divisions within the NCAA, along with NAIA and Junior College candidates.”

The new head coach is the fourth head coach at UC since the reinstatement of the football program in 2004 and comes after the departure of former head coach Pat Kirkland. Kirkland left Charleston last month to accept a position on the staff of former WVU and current Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez.

A former player and 2011 University of Charleston graduate, Sanders began his coaching career at South Walton High School in Florida. He briefly returned to Charleston to intern with the UC football team in 2013 and then joined the staff full-time in 2015. As part of the offensive coaching staff, Quinn played an essential role in guiding the Golden Eagles offensive attack to be among the best in the Mountain East Conference, including setting school records in various offensive categories. In addition, Sanders has helped develop players such as Joey Augustin, Tyreik McCallister, Brant Grisel, Guy Myers, and current Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Strachan into top performers in the conference and beyond.

“I am honored to be named the Head Football Coach at The University of Charleston,” said Sanders. “It is a dream come true and still feels surreal. I’m excited for this new opportunity and the journey that lies ahead.”

 

Playing Career:

(2007-2011) University of Charleston Football | Track & Field

Coaching Career:
2012 – South Walton High School (Assistant Football Coach/ Head Men’s and Women’s Track Coach)

2013 – University of Charleston (Student Assistant – Quarterbacks/Running Backs )

2014 – Midwestern State University (Running backs Coach)

2015/2016 – University of Charleston (Wide Receivers Coach)

2017-2018 – University of Charleston (Quarterbacks/ Recruiting Coordinator)

2019 – 2020 – University of Charleston (Quarterbacks/ Passing Game Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator)

2021 – Present – University of Charleston (Quarterbacks / Offensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator)