MIAMI, FL – In preparation for the upcoming football season, FIU Football has finalized its coaching staff on defense.
The defensive staff for FIU will consist of a pair of newcomers to the team along with a host of veterans.
In addition to Defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt, Kenechi Udeze is one of the veterans who will be staying with the Panthers, covering the defensive line. Anthony Gaitor is the other, now coaching the cornerbacks.
Kenneth Gilstrap – Safeties
Gistrap will serve as the safeties coach in addition to the special teams coordinator. He had spent the last two seasons as a member of UAB coaching the secondary. He’s the second member of UAB to flip to FIU’s coaching staff, alongside offensive coordinator Nick Coleman.
He’s also familiar with Conference USA, spending seasons with Middle Tennessee coaching the cornerbacks. It was also here that he was given special teams coordinator duties as well.
Ryan Smith – Linebackers
Smith joins FIU from the FCS level, having served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Murray State.
His connection to Willie Simmons at Florida A&M can’t go unnoticed. He’s been a member of the Rattlers’ coaching staff since 2018 and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2023.
In 2015, Smith was an offensive quality control coach at Alabama, who won the College Football Playoff National Championship that year.
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