Tony Hatmaker is now in his fourth season as defensive coordinator following three years as the Colonel defensive backs coach. Under Hatmaker’s guidance, EKU’s defense ranked first in the OVC in scoring defense and turnovers forced in both 2011 and 2012. Last year, Eastern’s defense returned two fumbles for touchdowns.
Hatmaker, who has also retained his duties as defensive backs coach, has helped produce 11 All-OVC defensive backs in his time at EKU. That list features returning safety Brandon Stanley who has led the team in tackles for two consecutive years.
“Tony is a tireless worker who pays attention to detail and coaches with a lot of energy and passion,” head coach Dean Hood said. “We are excited about him being a part of our staff.”
Hatmaker’s résumé includes 20 years of collegiate coaching experience. From 2005-06, he served as the assistant head football coach at Southeastern Louisiana. Hatmaker coached the linebackers, offensive line, snappers, punter and kickers as well as served as the NFL liaison in his two years with the Lions. Two of the three starting linebackers came away with all-conference honors in 2005.
Hatmaker also spent six years on the staff at Southwest Baptist (Mo.) University. He was the defensive coordinator for five of those seasons and helped the Bearcats earn their first winning record in 10 seasons in 2001. Southwest Baptist then recorded a program-record 18 interceptions in 2002. While at Southwest Baptist, Hatmaker logged three seasons (1999-01) as the head softball coach as well.
The Kentucky native began his coaching career in 1992 at Union (Ky.) College after playing four years as an outside linebacker for the Bulldogs. Hatmaker was a four-year starter at Union and twice earned all-district honors. In addition to playing football, he was the starting catcher for the baseball team and helped the Bulldogs win their first championship since 1976.
Hatmaker and his wife, Laura, have two sons – Abe (seven) and Ty (five).
Coaching Experience
Union College (Student Assistant Coach, 1992), (Graduate Assistant Coach, 1993-94)
Middle Georgia College (Defensive Tackles Coach, 1995-96), (Linebackers Coach, 1997)
Southwest Baptist University (Assistant Coach, 1998), (Defensive Coordinator, 1999-03)
North Gwinnett (Ga.) High School (Defensive Coordinator, 2004)
Southeastern Louisiana (Assistant Head Football Coach, 2005-06), (Linebackers Coach, 2005), (Offensive Line Coach, 2006)
Eastern Kentucky (Defensive Backs Coach, 2008-present), (Defensive Coordinator, 2011-present)
