Darius Safford

Biography

Former Georgia Southern defensive back and graduate assistant coach Darius Safford returned to Georgia Southern in 2024 and serves as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach for the Eagles. Safford came back to Statesboro after five seasons with Kennesaw State after serving as the defensive backs coach in 2023. From 2019-2021, Safford oversaw cornerbacks for the Owls. His presence was immediately felt as the Eagle secondary saw quick improvement under his tutelage. Chance Gamble and Marc Stampley II were named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference as the duo led a cornerback group that recorded nine interceptions in 2024. In 2025, he served as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator for the Birmingham Bowl victory over App State, forcing four interceptions and holding the Mountaineers to 10 points. Prior to the 2023 season, Safford was selected to join the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship within the National Football League. Safford was added to the Chicago Bears’ minicamp and training camp staffs for the summer. Safford’s secondary shined in 2022. During the campaign, defensive back Markeith Montgomery set a school record for career interceptions with 10. Safford also mentored Gamble to the FedEx Ground National Player of the Week after tying the school record with three interceptions in a single game. The accolades continued to roll in for the KSU secondary when defensive back Deontre Morris was named a Sophomore All-American by HERO Sports and an ASUN All-Confer