Greene Joins C-N Staff as Defensive Backs Coach

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman football coach Ken Sparks announced the hiring of Doug Greene as the Eagles' defensive backs coach on Thursday.

Greene, who served as Ooltewah High School's defensive coordinator the last four seasons, brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience to C-N's staff.

"We are really excited and we think Doug is exactly what the Carson-Newman family is all about," Sparks said. "He loves the Lord and is a great coach. He works at it and cares about the kids. He turned down a pretty major position to come join us. He's stepping out on faith, and we are glad to have him."

Greene helped Ooltewah's defense become one of the best units in the state during his tenure. The Owls, who won 40 games in the last four years, forced 32 turnovers per season and were a top 10 defense in 2008 and 2009. Greene was named Defensive Coach of the Year in 2008.

During the last two seasons, Greene coached U.S. Army All-American and two-time Tennessee Mr. Football Award Winner Jacques Smith.

Greene said he is looking forward to helping C-N continue its winning tradition.

"I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Carson-Newman family," Greene said. "Ever since I was a player at Cleveland High School, I knew about the success at Carson-Newman and what it stood for. I also jumped at the chance to work with coach Sparks and the staff. This is a staff that has been successful for a long time by doing things the right way."

After playing his high school football at Cleveland, Greene went on to play defensive back at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., from 1987-88. He then transferred to Middle Tennessee State to play baseball and helped lead the Blue Raiders to a pair of conference championships in 1990 and 1991.

Greene got his start in coaching at Cheatham County High School in Ashland City, Tenn., in 1992. He then took over as defensive coordinator for Coffee County from 1993-1999, where he helped guide the program to its first-ever playoff appearance.

After his stint at Coffee County, Greene spent one season as defensive backs coach at Riverdale High School before joining the staff at Blackmon as defensive coordinator from 2000-2004.

Greene went to the collegiate ranks from 2004-2006, coaching linebackers and defensive backs at the University of West Alabama before moving on to become defensive coordinator at Ooltewah. Linebacker Randall Jones earned All-American honors in 2004 under the tutelage of Greene at West Alabama.

Greene joins an Eagles program that went 11-3 in 2009. C-N won its 21st South Atlantic Conference title and advanced to the Division II national semifinals.