Antonio James is the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for Saluki Football, where he has transformed SIU’s defense into one of the best in FCS. In 2023, the unit ranked top 10 nationally in multiple categories, including scoring defense (4th, 16.2 PPG), total defense (4th, 282.3 YPG), and rushing defense (5th, 94.2 YPG). The Salukis also excelled in turnovers gained (7th) and sacks (6th), with James continuing to coach the defensive line, a role he began in 2022.
Before SIU, James spent four seasons at Morgan State, where he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018. His defense led the MEAC in sacks and red zone defense while ranking second in interceptions. He also served as a graduate assistant at Michigan, working with the defensive line, and is a former Illinois letterman who played in the 2008 Rose Bowl. Named to the 2017 AFCA 30 Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute, James holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Illinois.
