Gary Salgado

Biography

Known for building championship-caliber defenses and developing elite talent at every level, Gary Salgado brings more than 20 years of collegiate and junior college coaching experience to SFA. He has consistently produced top-ranked units and award-winning players throughout his career. Salgado joined the SFA coaching staff in January of 2026. Salgado most recently served as Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach at Angelo State University (2023–25), where he directed one of the top defensive units in NCAA Division II during the 2024 season. Under his leadership, the Rams finished 9–3, captured the Lone Star Conference Championship, reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs, and closed the year ranked No. 24 nationally. His defense finished among the national leaders in scoring defense (13.1 points per game, 6th), total defense (264.1 yards per game, 14th), opponent passing efficiency (98.84, 9th), and third-down defense (.281, 5th). Angelo State also produced multiple major conference award winners, including Defensive Lineman of the Year Owen Seaver (All American), Linebacker of the Year Eric Rascoe, and Defensive Back of the Year Andrew Pitts, along with six first-team All-Conference honorees. Also, Xavier Walton was Defensive Back of the Year and a First Team All American this past season. Before returning to Angelo State, Salgado spent three seasons at Hutchinson Community College (2020–23) as Defensive Coordinator, Associate Head Coach, and Defensive Line Coach. Dur