SAN ANTONIO — UTSA head coach Frank Wilson announced on Wednesday that he has hired Bo Davis as defensive line coach.
A former defensive line coach at Alabama, Texas and in the NFL, Davis has been a part of three national championship teams and has produced numerous All-Americans, all-conference performers and NFL players.
"Adding a coach with an outstanding pedigree like Bo Davis is a coup for UTSA," Wilson said. "He's won at every level, on the biggest stages and in the biggest moments. He's an outstanding teacher and recruiter and he has coached nationally acclaimed defensive linemen everywhere he's been. He will be a tremendous asset to UTSA, and he gives us continued credibility in the direction this program is headed. It's an honor to have him be a part of our staff."
"I am very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the Roadrunner family," said Davis, who was honored as the 2016 National Recruiter of the Year by Scout.com. "I'd like to thank Coach Wilson and (Director of Athletics) Lynn Hickey for giving me the chance to join a great coaching staff at UTSA. I am looking forward to an exciting future in San Antonio."
A native of Magee, Miss., he was the defensive line coach at Alabama for two seasons (2014-15) under Nick Saban, his second stint with the Crimson Tide. Alabama appeared in back-to-back College Football Playoffs, winning the 2015 national title with a 45-40 victory against Clemson after falling to Ohio State in the semifinals the previous year. The Tide posted a 26-3 record during his last tenure and were 68-13 overall during his six total seasons in Tuscaloosa.
In 2015, Alabama led the country by allowing just 75.7 yards per game on the ground while ranking third nationally in sacks with 3.53 per contest. The Tide also ranked third in both total (276.3 ypg) and scoring (15.1 ppg) defense.
Davis' defensive line that season was led by Jarran Reed, A'Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen. Robinson was a first-team All-American and an Outland Trophy finalist after posting 46 tackles with 7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups and a team-high 10 quarterback hurries. Allen registered 36 tackles, including 14.5 TFLs and 12 sacks, and Reed recorded 57 tackles with 4.5 for loss, eight quarterback hurries and two pass breakups, as both earned All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) accolades.
The previous season, Davis's position group helped the Alabama defense rank fourth nationally against the rush, surrendering just 102.4 yards per game. The Tide also led the nation by allowing just five rushing touchdowns on the season, while recording 32 sacks. Allen was named first-team All-SEC, while Robinson was a second-team all-conference selection and Reed earned honorable mention honors.
Davis was a defensive intern with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 prior to coming to the Alamo City.
Prior to his second stint with Alabama, Davis coached the defensive tackles at Texas under Mack Brown in 2011-13.
In his first season on the 40 Acres, the Longhorns were 11th in the nation in total defense, sixth in rushing defense and 10th in pass efficiency defense while leading the Big 12 in each category. Tackle Kheeston Randall garnered first-team All-Big 12 honors that season and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins.
Texas was fifth nationally in sacks in 2013 (3.1) and 22nd in tackles for loss (7.0). The Longhorns played in the 2011 Holiday Bowl and 2012 and 2013 Alamo Bowls.
Prior to his time with the Longhorns, Davis spent four seasons (2007-10) as the defensive line coach at Alabama. The Crimson Tide consistently led the SEC and ranked in the Top 10 nationally in several defensive categories. Alabama was 42-10 during his first tenure, including 35-4 his final three seasons while finishing in the Top 10 each year. The Tide won the 2009 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Championship, beating Texas in the Rose Bowl, and also played in the 2007 Independence Bowl, 2009 Sugar Bowl and 2011 Capital One Bowl.
In 2010, Alabama was fourth nationally in scoring defense (13.5), fifth in total defense (286.4), ninth in rushing defense (110.2) and seventh in pass efficiency defense (103.5), all No. 1 in the SEC. Defensive lineman Marcell Dareus was an All-SEC first team performer.
The previous season, Alabama was second nationally in rushing defense (78.1), pass efficiency defense (87.7), total defense (244.1) and scoring defense (11.7), all tops in the SEC. Terrence Cody was a consensus All-American for the second straight season and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award.
In 2008, Alabama was second nationally in rushing defense (74.1), third in total defense (263.5) and seventh in scoring defense (14.3). Cody was named an All-American that year, while Wallace Gilberry was tabbed first-team All-SEC in 2007 while leading the league in tackles for loss and finishing second in sacks.
Davis spent the 2006 season as an assistant defensive line coach and assistant strength & conditioning coach with the Miami Dolphins under Saban.
Before that, Davis was an assistant strength & conditioning coach at LSU under Saban in 2002-04 and then Les Miles in 2005. The Tigers won the 2003 BCS Championship with a win against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl and also played in the 2003 Cotton Bowl, 2005 Capital One Bowl and 2005 Peach Bowl. LSU registered a 41-11 record during his time in Baton Rouge.
He began his coaching career an assistant at Galena Park (Texas) North Shore High in 1998-2001, where he coached 1998 USA Today High School National Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Texas All-American and 13-year NFL defensive lineman Cory Redding.
Davis was a three-year letterman at nose guard at LSU in 1990-92. As a senior, he earned second-team All-SEC honors after recording 66 tackles, including four for loss. He finished his career with 90 career stops, a sack and one fumble recovery.
Following his playing career, Davis was a graduate assistant for three years with the LSU strength & conditioning program. The Tigers appeared in the Independence Bowl in 1995 and 1997 and in the 1996 Peach Bowl during his time on the staff.
Davis earned his bachelor's degree from LSU in 1993.
He and his wife, Omeika, have two sons, Beau and Jackson, and a daughter, Juliana.
