Dane Damron is in his fifth season as offensive coordinator and seventh season overall on the EKU football staff. He spent his first two years on staff as the special teams coordinator.
The Eastern Kentucky offense changed gears under Damron four years ago from a spread scheme to a power rushing attack. The change brought significant results as running back Dy'Shawn Mobley was named the 2014 OVC Offensive Player of the Year and former running back Matt Denham finished among the top-10 nationally in rushing in both 2011 and 2012.
The Colonels have rushed for at least 2,200 yards in four straight years under Damron. Even with a run-oriented offense, the Colonels were able to score at least 30 points in eight games last year, including 56 tallies against Tennessee State. The EKU offense should be loaded in the backfield and on the perimeter this fall as all of the skill positions feature returning starters.
Eastern’s 2012 offense was one of the most productive in program history. That year, the Colonels averaged more than 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing per game for the first time in 20 years.
“Coach Damron brings positive energy to the field every day,” EKU head coach Dean Hood said. “Offense is his cup of tea. He has been the offensive coordinator or the head coach calling the offensive plays for numerous other teams throughout his career. I’m thrilled that Dane is running the offense.”
Damron, a native of Grayson, Ky., began his collegiate coaching career at Eastern Kentucky in 1995. He served two years as a graduate assistant and wide receivers coach under Roy Kidd. Damron earned his master’s degree in sports administration from EKU in 1996.
Following a coaching stint at Morehead State, Damron moved to the high school ranks where he coached for nine years. From 2002-05, he was the head coach of Boyd County where he helped the Lions advance to the second round of the KHSAA playoffs three straight years.
Before returning to EKU in 2009, Damron served three years as Kentucky Christian University’s head football coach, which culminated with the school’s first-ever varsity football season in 2008.
Damron played collegiate football at Georgetown College from 1990-94. The quarterback was a two-time NAIA All-American and led the Tigers to the 1991 NAIA national championship.
Damron and his wife Delisha have two children – Hanna (15) and Derek (11).
Coaching Experience
East Carter (Ky.) High School (Quarterbacks Coach, 1994)
Eastern Kentucky (Grad. Asst./Wide Receivers Coach, 1995-96)
Morehead State (Wide Receivers Coach, spring 1997)
George Jenkins (Fla.) High School (Offensive Coordinator, 1997-98)
Lake Gibson (Fla.) High School (Head Coach, 1999-01)
Boyd County (Ky.) High School (Head Coach, 2002-05)
Kentucky Christian (Head Coach, 2005-08)
Eastern Kentucky (Special Teams Coach, 2009-11), (Offensive Coordinator, 2011-present)
