Derek Day joined EKU in January 2020 as the inside linebackers coach and co-special teams coordinator. In 2023, his defense led the UAC in fumble recoveries and sacks, with linebacker Matthew Jackson earning All-American honors. Special teams also excelled, ranking second in kickoff return average, and kicker Patrick Nations led the nation in field goals per game.
Before EKU, Day coached at Butler, Tennessee, Iowa State, and Western Kentucky, where he developed All-Conference and NFL-caliber players. At Tennessee, he mentored Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and at Iowa State, he worked with AJ Klein and Jeremiah George. His experience contributed to EKU’s strong defense and special teams.
