The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Kevin Shirley Named Defensive Backs Coach At UAB
2/8/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 8, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- Kevin Shirley, who as defensive coordinator guided Valdosta State's defense to a No. 10 national rank last season, has been named defensive backs coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, according to an announcement by Blazer head coach Watson Brown.
Shirley, a native of Gordo, Ala. and a 1996 graduate of the University of Alabama, spent only one season at Valdosta State, but his impact was felt. He helped the Blazers to a berth in the NCAA Division II championship game and a 14-1 record in his role as defensive coordinator and secondary coach.
In addition to its No. 10 status in total defense, Valdosta State was No. 2 in the NCAA D-II ranks in rushing defense (55 yards allowed per game) and 11th nationally in scoring defense (15.7 ppg). The Blazers led the Gulf South Conference in all three of those defensive categories under Shirley's guidance.
"We are very excited to have Kevin joining our staff," said Brown. "He has done an outstanding job at Valdosta State and has a lot of ties to this community and Alabama as a whole that will be an asset to our program."
Prior to going to Valdosta State, Shirley spent three years at Hoover High School serving as defensive coordinator. He was a part of Hoover's 2000 6A state championship team and 2001 state runner-up squad. Hoover had a cumulative 35-5 record in the three years Shirley was a part of the program.
Shirley also has additional collegiate experience as a member of the staff at Troy State where he served as restricted earnings coach on the defensive side from 1997-98.
His first experience at the college level was at his alma mater, Alabama, in 1996 when he was an undergraduate assistant (wide receivers assistant) under head coach Gene Stallings. A year later, he served in the same capacity at Alabama under head coach Mike DuBose.
Shirley began his coaching career at Gordo High School where he coached linebackers and receivers (1991-95).
"I am looking forward to the opportunity to work for Coach Brown and UAB," said Shirley. "This is a tremendous opportunity for me to come back to Alabama and to be a part of a program that will compete for a conference championship."
Shirley is married to the former Sharon Stephens of Troy, Ala.
