David Needs returns for his 16th season as an assistant coach at Carson-Newman.

After assisting with the quarterbacks in his first year, he assumed the role of receiver's coach in 1997 and remained there until he moved back to quarterbacks in 2006. While in charge of C-N's receivers, Needs coached four All-Conference players including All-American Ques Rumph in 1999.

From 2006-09, Needs was the position coach for quarterback Alex Good, who garnered first team All-SAC honors after leading the Eagles to 49 points per game in 2007, second team All-SAC honors in 2008 and first team All-SAC accolades in 2009. Good was also named SAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2009.

Needs' work both on and off the field earned him the prestigouus honor of being named the American Football Coaches Assosciation Division II Assistant Coach of the Year last season. He was given the award for his success as a coach on the field and for his involvement off of the field in both the Carson-Newman and Jefferson City communities.

Needs is also the head coach of the Carson-Newman track team. Several C-N football players have decided to become two-sport athletes and have joined the track team. The 2004-05 season saw Lady Eagle Amy Cate participate in the National Championships in the high jump for the second consecutive year. He is the coordinator of the speed program at C-N where he works on improving the players running speed and form. Needs has recently had articles published in national football magazines including; "Using The Passing Game To Make Your Option Offense Explosive" published in Gridiron Strategy and "Teaching Wide Receivers the Critical Skills" published in American Football Monthly.

The Wilmington, Del., native was also published in the AFCA Summer manual in `07. His article "Increasing Your Options" broached the subject of incorporating the pass into an option offense, which turned out to be fitting, as the Eagles led the nation in pass efficiency in the season that followed.

Needs is a 1992 graduate of C-N with a degree in Political Science. The former quarterback was a member of Eagle national championship teams in 1988 and 1989. Before coming to C-N, he was the offensive coordinator at Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Del.

Needs earned a Master's degree in Education at Carson-Newman in 1998. He also takes a leadership role in getting players involved in community outreach, such as the "One Way 2 Play - Drug Free" program and visits to area schools, churches and correctional facilities.

Needs and his wife, Melissa, who works in financial aid at C-N, reside in Morristown. The couple has three children - D.J., Tyler, and Keely.