Newly hired UTPB Head Football Coach Chris Softley wasted little time assembling a staff designed to elevate the Falcons program to the next level. With a focus on player development, recruiting excellence and championship experience, Softley announced the addition of several accomplished coaches in January 2026, each bringing proven success from some of the nation's top programs. 

"I am incredibly grateful for the staff we have assembled. These are some of the finest teachers, coaches, and men in our profession, and each made a meaningful sacrifice to be part of this team. They did so because they see the tremendous potential in one another, in the outstanding players we have the privilege to serve, and in building a championship program," said Head Football Coach Chris Softley. "We are proud to be in West Texas and will work tirelessly to Max Out our opportunity here at UTPB." 
 

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Bookbinder Named Defensive Coordinator 
Josh Bookbinder was hired as UTPB's defensive coordinator, bringing extensive Power Four and championship-level experience to the Falcons. Softley targeted Bookbinder early in the process, seeking a defensive leader with a strong background in elite linebacker development and championship-caliber defenses.  

Bookbinder most recently served as an assistant linebacker's coach at TCU, following a highly successful three-year tenure at Texas Tech. While in Lubbock, he played a pivotal role in developing All-Big 12 linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who led the conference in tackles and earned All-America recognition in 2024. Alongside Rodriguez, Bookbinder also coached Ben Roberts, the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American. His position groups consistently ranked among the best in the conference, helping Texas Tech reach three consecutive bowl games and post a program-record six Big 12 wins in 2024—the most since 2009. 

Prior to Texas Tech, Bookbinder spent three seasons at Baylor as a defensive quality control coach from 2019–21, contributing to the Bears' Big 12 Championship run in 2021. Earlier in his career, he spent six seasons at Liberty, advancing from defensive quality control coach to special teams coordinator before leading the outside linebackers and linebackers. During his time with the Flames, Bookbinder mentored multiple All-Big South performers and helped build one of the top-ranked defenses at the FCS level. 

A former standout coach at both TCU and Texas Tech, Bookbinder is known for his deep understanding of defensive schemes, attention to detail, and ability to develop players across multiple levels of college football. His experience in both Power Four and FCS programs, combined with his leadership and adaptability, makes him a strong fit to lead UTPB's defense as the program continues to build toward sustained success. 
 

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Meyers Takes Over Falcons' Offense 
Chris Meyers was hired as UTPB's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, bringing championship pedigree and a reputation for elite player development to the Falcons. 

Meyers is widely recognized for his work developing tight ends, most notably NFL draftee Tucker Kraft at South Dakota State. A two-time FCS National Championship coach, Meyers has coached at Washington State, South Dakota State, Oklahoma State and TCU, mentoring multiple All-Americans while compiling a 15–2 career postseason record. His combination of player development, recruiting success and schematic versatility made him a natural fit for Head Coach Chris Softley's staff. 
Meyers most recently served as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Washington State beginning in January 2025 on Head Coach Jimmy Rogers' staff. Prior to his time in Pullman, Meyers spent three seasons at South Dakota State, including the final two under Rogers, where his impact was felt immediately. 

During the 2024 season, Meyers guided a young tight end group featuring just one upperclassman while helping power a rushing attack that ranked third nationally at 236.1 yards per game. Freshman Davin Stoffel emerged as a key contributor, leading the unit with 14 receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown—an example of Meyers' ability to accelerate the development of young players. 

Meyers joined the SDSU staff ahead of the 2022 season as tight ends coach before adding recruiting coordinator responsibilities following the championship campaign. In his first year, he mentored one of the top tight end tandems in the FCS, with Kraft and Zach Heins both earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. Kraft repeated as an All-American and was later selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. 

Heins followed with an All-America season of his own in 2023, earning Walter Camp FCS First Team honors while finishing his career 10th in SDSU history with 18 receiving touchdowns. He later signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers. 
As recruiting coordinator, Meyers helped assemble one of the strongest recruiting classes in the FCS, a skill set that will be critical as UTPB continues to build its talent pipeline. His recruiting background, paired with his ability to develop entire position groups, played a major role in his hire as the Falcons' offensive coordinator. 

Prior to South Dakota State, Meyers served as an offensive line graduate assistant at Oklahoma State, where he helped coach NCAA rushing champion Chuba Hubbard in 2019. The Cowboys went on to post a 12–2 record in 2021, reaching the Big 12 Championship Game and defeating Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. 

A 2015 graduate of TCU, Meyers began his coaching career as an offensive line assistant, contributing to teams that combined for a 23–3 record and two bowl victories from 2014–15. He later spent two seasons at Stephen F. Austin working as an offensive line quality control coach. 

With extensive experience across offensive line and tight ends, a championship resume, and a proven eye for talent, Meyers arrives at UTPB prepared to elevate the Falcons' offense and recruiting efforts as the program continues its upward trajectory. 
 

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Iosefa set to take over Defensive Line 
Jordan Iosefa was named defensive line coach for the UTPB football program, bringing Big 12 experience and a player-centered coaching approach to Coach Softley's staff. 

Iosefa joins the Falcons after serving as assistant defensive line coach at TCU, where he gained valuable experience coaching in the Big 12. Known for his infectious energy, relatability, and passion for the game, Iosefa has built a strong reputation for developing players and fostering positive team culture.  

His ability to connect with student-athletes both on and off the field, combined with his experience as a former Power Five player, made him a strong fit for UTPB's vision for long-term growth. 

Prior to his time at TCU, Iosefa served as a defensive graduate assistant at Fresno State beginning in February 2023, working closely with veteran defensive line coach Jethro Franklin and the Bulldogs' front. He began his coaching career at Pacific University (Oregon) in 2022 as the tight ends coach, gaining early experience developing position groups and learning the nuances of player development. 

Iosefa played collegiately at USC from 2016–20 as a linebacker, appearing in 36 games with 16 starts. He totaled 78 career tackles, including seven tackles for loss and three sacks, while adding six pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. A starter in 2018, he was selected as a team captain in 2019. After battling knee injuries, Iosefa medically retired prior to the 2021 season and remained with the program as an offensive student assistant, working with the offensive line and tight ends. 
 

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Ashley Hired as Cornerbacks Coach 
Donzale Ashley joins the Falcons as cornerbacks coach after spending three seasons at Ashland University, where he helped lead the Eagles to back-to-back conference titles and a No. 2 national defensive ranking. 

Ashley, an Ashland alum and former all-conference defensive back, earned multiple postseason honors during his playing career, including Second-Team Don Hansen All-Super Region Four recognition. He also participated in the Washington Redskins' rookie mini camp in 2016. 

His coaching experience includes high school stops in California and work as a behavior specialist and youth counselor, providing him with a unique ability to connect with and mentor student-athletes. 
 

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Conry Named Special Teams Coordinator & Safeties Coach  
Ryan Conry joins the UTPB football coaching staff as the Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach, bringing experience from Power Four programs and a proven track record of player development, defensive improvement, and special teams excellence. 

Conry arrives in Odessa after four seasons on the Texas Tech staff, including his most recent role as assistant special teams coordinator. During his time in Lubbock, he worked extensively with the secondary while helping guide a Red Raider defense that allowed just 26.0 points per game in 2023—the program's lowest mark since 2009. Texas Tech also earned power-five bowl victories during his tenure, defeating Ole Miss in the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl and Cal in the 2023 Radiant Technologies Independence Bowl. 

Prior to Texas Tech, Conry spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons as a defensive graduate assistant at California, where the Golden Bears appeared in the Redbox Bowl and ranked among the Pac-12's top defenses in scoring defense both seasons. Cal allowed only 21.9 points per game in 2019 and remained a league leader in 2020, reinforcing Conry's background in disciplined defensive structure and situational execution. 

Across his collegiate coaching career, Conry has worked with 11 defensive players who have earned NFL opportunities. At Texas Tech, he coached Marquis Waters, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Tyler Owens, Rayshad Williams, Brayln Lux and C.J. Baskerville. Taylor-Demerson was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals after producing seven interceptions over his final two seasons, while Owens developed into one of Washington's top special teams contributors on its NFC Championship team. Waters signed with the New York Jets after ranking among the nation's leaders in tackles for loss by a defensive back in 2022. 

At Cal, Conry worked with Jaylinn Hawkins, Ashtyn Davis, Camryn Bynum, Elijah Hicks and Daniel Scott—each of whom remains on an NFL roster entering the 2025 season.

Conry began his coaching career at Ohio State, where he served as a recruiting and student coaching intern while working with the cornerbacks. He was part of the Buckeyes' 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship staff, gaining early exposure to elite-level preparation, recruiting operations, and championship culture. 
 

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Lott Added to Offensive Staff 
Zeke Lott was hired as UTPB's tight ends coach, bringing a strong background in player development and leadership. 

Lott previously served as Director of Football Operations at Abilene Christian University, where he also worked as the team's chaplain and head of player relations. A former walk-on linebacker at ACU, Lott earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2024. 

His experience in player relations and development adds another valuable dimension to Softley's staff as the Falcons continue building a student-athlete-focused program. 
 

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Fogelman Hired as Director of Football Operations & Player Personnel 
Jack Fogelman joins the Falcons after serving as a staff member for TCU's 2022 National Title appearance. He is a driver of excellence both on and off the field and brings a unique blend of support staff experience across all areas of football operations. He also served as a Football Operations Intern with the University of Memphis Tigers, assisting with minicamps, the Tigers Mega Camp, and daily operational responsibilities while attending program meetings. Fogelman additionally interned within the University of Memphis Athletics Department in Facilities and Operations, Marketing, and Development, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of collegiate athletics operations. 
 

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Back with the Falcons 
While the Falcons have added a handful of new additions to the staff, there are four coaches from last year's team that will be returning – Blake Crandall, Gunnar Abseck, Ivan Shultz and Brittyn Eakins. 

Crandall enters his third season on the UTPB football staff as wide receivers coach while adding the role of recruiting coordinator for the upcoming year. During his tenure, he has coached 14 All–Lone Star Conference selections, including two-time Lone Star Conference Wide Receiver of the Year Jeramiah Cooley in 2023 and 2024. Crandall was part of the Falcons' 2023 Lone Star Conference Championship team and has helped lead UTPB to postseason appearances in each of the past three seasons, including NCAA Division II Playoff berths in 2023 and 2025. 

After a standout playing career, Abseck is returning for his second season on the football staff, after joining the program last year as the Director of Football Operations (DOFO) / Tight Ends coach. In his first season Abseck coached honorable mention all-conference players Caleb Sedegan (TE) and Diego Juarez (FB). This upcoming season Abseck will make the transition to Running Backs coach. Abseck played football at UTPB from 2021-24. Abseck finished his career in 2024 as an Honorable Mention All–Lone Star Conference wide receiver. He averaged 10.0 yards per catch and converted five of six two-point attempts. On Senior Day, he recorded four receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, surpassing 1,000 career receiving yards and finishing with 1,053. A standout in the return game, Abseck set program records with 32 career punt returns and 236 punt return yards, while his 14 returns and 103 yards in 2024 ranked second in single-season history.  

Shultz will be returning for his second year as the Assistant Offensive Line Coach / Nutrition Center Coordinator. Last season he helped former Offensive Line Coach Mike Babcock who coached five all-conference offensive linemen during the season, including second-team selection Girevis Bobey (OG) and honorable mention players Mason Schweinle (OG), Mekhi Pinckney (OT), Torbyn Eakins (OT) and Tyler Ball (C). 

Eakins will also be entering his second year as a student assistant linebacker coach. He transferred to UTPB with his brother, Torbyn, as a running back from Morehead State University in Spring 2025. 

With a blend of championship experience, Power Four success, and proven player development, Softley's inaugural coaching staff signals a bold step forward for UTPB football as the Falcons continue to rise on the NCAA Division II landscape.