Colby Carthel was named A&M-Commerce's 19th head football coach at a press conference on January 22, 2013.

Carthel comes to Commerce with strong ties to the Lone Star Conference, spending the last seven seasons as the defensive coordinator at West Texas A&M and playing a key role in establishing the Buffs as one of the top teams in the region. During his seven years at West Texas A&M, the Buffs  captured four Lone Star Conference championships while making an appearance in the postseason each year, including a pair of Kanza Bowl championships and a regional championship in 2012.

During Carthel's tenure as the Buff's defensive coordinator, West Texas A&M compiled a 69-20 record with a .775 winning percentage. That win total and winning percentage ranks second among all collegiate football programs in the state of Texas during that span, trailing only Texas Christian University.

In 2012, the Buffs closed out the regular season leading the Lone Star Conference in nearly every defensive category, sitting first in total, scoring and rushing defense while sitting third in pass defense behind A&M-Commerce. West Texas A&M also led the nation in sacks, setting a single-season NCAA record with 44, highlighted by National Player of the Year Ethan Westbrook's 19.5, which tied for the second-most in NCAA history as the Buffs finished the year ranked fourth nationally.

Since arriving at West Texas, Carthel's defensive unit consistently ranked among the leaders in the Lone Star Conference. The Buffs ranked among the top-four in total defense five times during his seven years, including leading the LSC in 2011, where they were also tops in scoring defense and passing defense.

During his time in Canyon, Carthel oversaw a defensive unit that produced 70 All-Lone Star Conference selections, including 27 first team honorees, with seven LSC Players of the Year. In addition, seven of his players were recognized with over 29 All-America honors, including four first team All-Americans (Jared Brock, Brandon Swain, Eugene Sims, Ethan Westbrooks).

Carthel has also earned a reputation as one of the top recruiters in the region as he personally recruited or coached 13 players at the Division II level that have gone on to careers in the National Football League. Carthel's players have not only excelled on the playing field but in the classroom as well as he had seven of his Buffs earn Academic All-Lone Star Conference honors.

Prior to joining the staff at West Texas A&M, Carthel spent six seasons as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Abilene Christian. During his time with the Wildcats, Carthel saw his defensive linemen earn multiple accolades, including 13 All-Lone Star Conference selections and four All-Region honorees. He helped bring three-time All-American Danieal Manning to Abilene, who currently plays for the Houston Texans.

Carthel was a four year letterwinner at Angelo State from 1996-2000 in both football and track and field, starting at middle linebacker for the Ram football team. He helped lead Angelo State to the LSC South Division championship as a senior in 1999 and was a three-time Academic All-LSC selection. Carthel also competed in the discus for the Angelo State track and field program, placing fourth in the LSC Championships as a senior.

A native of Friona, Carthel graduated from Angelo State in 2000 with a degree in biology following his graduation from Friona High School in 1996. During his high school career, he helped lead Friona to its first district title in 29 years as a senior while placing fourth in the discus at the state championships. He later would earn his master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from West Texas A&M in 2007.

Carthel is married to the former Sarah Butler, one of the top volleyball players in Division II history and the current assistant coach for the nationally-ranked Lady Buffs. His father, Don, is the head football coach at West Texas A&M as the duo have coached side-by-side for 11 seasons, beginning at Abilene Christian.

The Carthel File

PERSONAL
Born: August 29, 1976
Hometown: Friona, Texas
Wife: The former Sarah Butler
Bachelor's Degree: Angelo State University, 2000 (biology)
Master's Degree: West Texas A&M University, 2007 (interdisciplinary studies)

PLAYING EXPERIENCE
1995-99: Angelo State University • linebacker (four year letterwinner, team captain)

COACHING EXPERIENCE
2000-05: Abilene Christian University (defensive line coach, recruiting coordinator)
2006-12: West Texas A&M (defensive coordinator)
2012-Present: Texas A&M University-Commerce (head coach)

Matt Storm is in his first season at A&M-Commerce, serving as the co-offensive coordinator as well as handling the primary duties for the Lions' offensive line.

Storm comes to Commerce from West Texas A&M where he spent one season with the Buffs, helping lead West Texas to the NCAA national semifinals with a 12-3 record. During his time in Canyon, Storm helped the Buffs lead the Lone Star Conference in total offense per game (474.9 ypg) while ranking second in scoring offense (38.6 ppg) and fourth in rushing offense (142.9 ypg).

Prior to his time in Canyon, Storm spent six seasons as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at his alma mater, East Central University. One of his most productive seasons came in 2011 as every starter on the defensive line for the Tigers was named All-Great American Conference including Jason Catching, who led the conference in sacks and was named the GAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Storm worked with both the offensive and defensive lines in his stint at ECU and also headed up the coaching staff’s recruiting efforts. He also was a key member of the coaching staff that helped the Tigers capture the 2010 Lone Star Conference North Division championship.

Storm had a stand-out playing career with the Tigers on the offensive line. The two-year starter earned all-conference honors both seasons and was named the team’s lineman of the year each of those years and was a team captain in 2005.

Prior to his arrival at ECU, Storm was a two-year starter at Mt. San Antonio Junior College (Calif.) where he earned all-California Center accolades and was captain of the top-ranked junior college team in the state.

Storm received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and his masters in sports administration from East Central University.

Justin Deason is in his first season as the defensive coordinator for A&M-Commerce.

Deason comes to Commerce from East Central University where he spent the last five seasons as the Tigers' defensive coordinator. His defensive unit was ranked 15th in the nation in 2011 in fumble recoveries (16) and third down defense as opponents converted just 30.9 percent of the time. ECU also ranked 18th in turnovers forced (31), 20th in turnover margin and 43rd in total defense.

He has coached defensive All-Americans in the last three years, including defensive end Armonty Bryant in 2010 and 2012, outside linebacker Jason Catchings in 2012 and cornerback Dontae Smith in 2011 along with back-to-back conference defensive players of the year in Bryant (Lone Star Conference North in 2010) and Catchings (Great American Conference in 2011).

In 2012 he had nine players earn All-GAC honors, while seven earned the honors in 2011.  The list includes back-to-back honors for Bryant, Catchings, Brian Gonzalez and Norris Wrenn. Wrenn finished his career as the all-time leading tackler at ECU, breaking the record set by NFL player Clifford Thirft in 1978, with 278.

Deason was also key in developing the Tigers first NFL Draft pick since 1979, when Bryant was chosen as the No. 217 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.  Bryant is just the fifth player from ECU to be drafted into the NFL after setting the ECU career sacks record, with 27.5.

Deason was instrumental in ECU’s run to a Lone Star Conference North Division title in 2010, guiding a big-play Tiger defensive unit, led by Bryant, who was third in the nation in sacks (led all defensive linemen in the country), along with all-region performer and cornerback Dontae Smith.
Bryant and Smith, who led the LSC with six interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns) were First Team All-LSC North selections while four others – end Travis Buchanan, safety Norris Wrenn and outside linebackers Tyler McGrew and Jameel Whitney – were named to the All-LSC North Second Team.

His 2010 Tiger defensive unit was ranked 13th in the nation in sacks per game (3.09) and tied for 21st in total passes intercepted with 17. ECU also led the LSC in sacks, interceptions and turnovers gained. The Tigers scored seven defensive touchdowns in 2010 and registered their first shutout since the 1993 season.

Since joining NCAA Division II, his 2010 defense set the record for sacks (33) and interceptions (17) in a season and tied the mark for forcing turnovers (28).

Deason had a prior coaching stint at ECU from 2004-05 as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. He coached five all-conference players and one All-American. He had the preseason linebacker of the year in 2005, a punt returner who finished 10th nationally in 2005 and punter who was rated 12th nationally. The net punting for ECU in 2005 was 35th best in the country and his kickoff unit was among the best in 2004, holding opponents to limited yards in net returns.

At West Texas A&M in 2006, Deason saw one of his linebackers make three different postseason All-American teams. The WT kickoff unit ranked 30th in the country, a punter ranked fifth in per punt average and a punt returner finished 17th in the nation in per return average. One kickoff specialist finished 19th in the nation and a punt team was 13th nationally in net punt coverage as he coached four all-conference players.

In 2007 with the Buffs, Deason had a kicker set two school records and was picked to play in the Cactus Bowl all-star game. He also had a specialist lead the nation in return average. His special teams ranked 13th in the nation in kickoff defense and one of his linebackers earned All-Southwest Region honors and was named to two different All-American Teams. He also had a linebacker awarded the preseason and postseason linebacker of the year.

With WT in 2008, his specialty teams were ranked among the best in the nation with a pair of return specialists garnering All-Lone Star Conference South honors while one of his linebackers picked up an All-American award. The same linebacker was voted preseason and postseason linebacker of the year. The team finished second nationally in net punting. The kickoff returner was 27th in the country and his punter, Cort Johnson, finished an astonishing average of 43.1 yards and is currently with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. One of Deason’s recruits, defensive end Eugene Sims, was selected as conference defensive lineman of the year and was selected in the 2010 draft by the St. Louis Rams. WT also finished that season with 12 blocked kicks. Deason was part of a 34-5 run and several national rankings by the Buffs, under head coach Don Carthel, in Canyon, Texas.

Deason is a 2003 graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma after playing two seasons as a linebacker at Oklahoma State. He was a two-year letterman at OSU and played in the Houston Bowl in which the Cowboys claimed a victory. Deason also played in both of OSU’s wins over top-ranked and Bedlam rival Oklahoma. He also made appearances against highly-ranked teams in Nebraska, UCLA, Texas A&M and Texas. His mentor is long time defensive coordinator Bill Clay.

Deason and his wife, Autumn, have a son, Jaxon, and a daughter, Aubrey.

Jared May joined the A&M-Commerce football staff in the winter of 2013 and serves as the Lions' co-offensive coordinator as well as undertaking the primary responsibility of the A&M-Commerce quarterbacks.

May comes to Commerce after spending three seasons at West Texas A&M, serving as a coach of both the Buffs quarterbacks and wide receivers. May helped lead the Buffs to a 28-10 record during his time in Canyon as well as a national semifinals appearance in 2012. He helped oversee the development of Harlon Hill finalist Dustin Vaughan as well as coaching a 1,000-yard receiver in each of his seasons at West Texas, including a pair of All-Americans.

Prior to his time at West Texas A&M, May spent two seasons at Stephen F. Austin State University, helping turn around the Lumberjacks from an 0-12 team to the Southland Conference champions in 2009 with a 10-3 record. During his time in Nacogdoches, Stephen F. Austin averaged over 430 yards and 35 points per game.

May made his first stint in Canyon from 2007-08, serving as an inside receivers coach for West Texas A&M. As a graduate assistant, he coached the receivers at Hardin-Simmons University in 2006 while getting his first coaching job as the head softball and golf coach at Hamlin High School.

A native of Hamlin, May earned his bachelor's degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University in 2005, followed by a master's degree in education from West Texas A&M University in 2012.

Kevin Bleil is in his first season as a member of the A&M-Commerce coaching staff, overseeing the Lion wide receiving corps.

Bleil comes to Commerce after spending the past season as a graduate assistant coach at Iowa State University where he served under his father, Bill - the Cyclones' assistant head coach and offensive line coach. He was a member of the staff that helped lead Iowa State to an appearance in the Pinstripes Bowl.

Prior to his time in Ames, Bliel spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Central Missouri and was a part of the Mules team that finished 11-3 in 2010, advancing to the NCAA Division I quarterfinals. He also was a member of the staff of the Mules team that earned a Kansa Bowl berth in 2011 as Bliel coached all four facets of Central Missouri's special teams.

A native of Uniontown, Ohio, Bliel was a three-year member of the Akron baseball team as a pitcher, earning his degree in civil engineering in 2010. He also earned his master's degree in sports business and athletic administration from Central Missouri.

Jack Taylor is in his first season as an assistant coach at A&M-Commerce, handling the responsibilities for the Lion defensive line.

Taylor comes to Commerce from Keystone, Fla., where he spent the past year as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Keystone Heights High School. Under his guidance, the Indians posted a 6-4 record on the season, including a 3-3 mark in district play.

Taylor had a stellar playing career at Wingate University in Wingate, N.C., compiling 165 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. He ranked among the Southern Atlantic Conference leaders in a handful of categories, leading the SAC in tackles for loss in 2010 while sitting second in 2011 and was fourth in sacks as a junior.

A three-time Southern Atlantic Conference Player of the Week, Taylor was an All-Conference selection in 2011 and ranks second in Wingate career history in tackles for loss while sitting fourth in sacks. He played a key role in helping lead the Bulldogs to school's first conference championship in 2010 as Wingate advanced to the second round of the NCAA playoffs.

A native of Keystone Heights, Fla., Taylor was a two-time all-state and three-time all area selection at Keystone Heights High School, setting the program's career tackle mark with 446. He attended West Texas A&M University for one season, earning the Buffalo Freshman of the Year Award in 2008, before transferring to Wingate where he earned his bachelor's degree in communications.

Wendel Davis is in his first year as an assistant coach at A&M-Commerce, overseeing the Lion linebacking corps.

Davis comes to Commerce from West Texas A&M where he spent two seasons helping oversee the Buff linebackers as WTAMU ranked among the Lone Star Conference leaders in nearly every defensive statistical category. He helped oversee the development of Buff linebacker Taylor McCuller, who finished the 2012 season leading the nation with 164 tackles.

Davis came to West Texas after a stellar playing career at the University of Arkansas where he was a two-year starter at linebacker. He ranked second on the team in tackles as a senior with 79 as he was voted team captain. Davis earned playing time as a true freshman and was named to the All-SEC Freshman team as the Razorbacks went 8-4 and won the SEC West division. He also helped lead Arkansas to appearances in the Capital One, Cotton and Liberty Bowls.

A native of Sweeny, Davis was an all-state, all-district and all-county selectio for the Bulldogs as a junior in 2005. He earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Arkansas in 2010.

Charles Burks is in his first season as an assistant coach at A&M-Commerce, overseeing the Lions secondary.

Burks comes to Commerce from West Texas A&M where he spent one season as the Buffs' assistant defensive backs coach. He helped lead the Buffs to the NCAA national semifinal in 2012 as West Texas ranked first in the Lone Star Conference in passing defense efficiency while helping mentor Torian Oakley to All-LSC honors.

Prior to his time in Canyon, Burks spent one season as the defensive backs coach at East Central, his alma mater. The Tigers led the Great American Conference in passing efficiency defense in 2011 as he helped coach a pair of All-Americans in Dontea Smith and Norris Wrenn. Burks also completed a internship with the Detroit Lions during the summer of 2012, assisting in organized team meetings and practice sessions.

Burks was a three-year letterwinner at cornerback at East Central, helping lead the Tigers to the Lone Star Conference North Division championship. A native of Grand Prairie, Burks earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2010, followed by his master's of sports administration in 2011.

Jordan Roper is in his third season as an assistant coach for A&M-Commerce, working primarily with the Lions' A-backs and tight ends.

For the past two seasons, Roper has worked with A&M-Commerce offensive linemen, assisting former head coach Guy Morriss. He originally signed to play football at Howard Payne, but suffered a career-ending injury after his freshman year.

A native of Fort Worth, Roper lettered seven times in three sports at Brewer High School. He is currently pursuing his degree in kinesiology at A&M-Commerce and plans to earn his master's degree following graduation.

Zach Jones returns for his third season as an assistant coach for A&M-Commerce, taking over responsibilities with the secondary after spending his first two years working with the Lion linebackers.

With assistance from Jones, A&M-Commerce linebacker Danny Mason had one of the most productive seasons in school history in 2012, leading the Lone Star Conference and ranking third nationally averaging 11.5 tackles per game. He was tabbed the LSC Linebacker of the Year, a second team Beyond Sports Network All-American and a first team Daktronics All-Region selection.

In 2011, Jones helped mentor linebacker Cory Whitfield, who ranked second in the Lone Star Conference in tackles with 103, earning first team All-LSC honors in the process. Additionally, former Lion linebacker Bryn Roy was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He also worked with returning linebackers Danny Mason, Matt Claggett and Stephen Ford, all of which ranked among the team leaders in tackles.

Prior joining the A&M-Commerce coaching staff, Jones played for head coach Guy Morriss at Baylor from 2003-08. During his career with Baylor, he earned numerous awards such as the Bears' MVP Offensive Scout Player of the Year, Defensive MVP of the Baylor Spring Football Game, and Offensive Scout Player of the Week. He has succeeded off the field as well earning awards such as National Dean’s list and joining the National Honor Roll.

Jones earned his degree in Business Media from Baylor University in August of 2008, and he is currently working on his Master’s degree at Texas-A&M University Commerce.    

Tim Brooks is in his second season as an assistant coach for A&M-Commerce, working primarily with the Lion wide receivers.

In 2012, A&M-Commerce formed a dynamic one-two receiving corps in senior Tyler Rawlings and junior Garrett Smith. Smith ranked among the LSC leaders in both catches and receptions while Rawlings capped his impressive A&M-Commerce career with over 400 receiving yards.

Brooks comes to Commerce after spending the 2010-11 season at his alma mater, the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, assuming main responsibilities for the Spier wide receivers.

A Lovelock, Nevada native, Brooks graduated from Saint Mary with a degree in mathematics in 2011. He played for the Spires for four seasons at both the wide receiver and quarterback positions and was named a Bay Valley Academic All-Conference selection in 2007. Brooks was also a member of the dean's list four times and was an honor roll student.

Yogi Gallegos is in his first season as a student assistant coach for A&M-Commerce, working primarily with the running backs.

Gallegos has spent two seasons at A&M-Commerce, serving as the Lions' starting quarterback for the first four games of the 2011 season. He completed 54.7 percent of his passes, which ranks eighth all-time in program history for a single-season mark, throwing for 852 yards and six touchdowns before a shoulder injury ended his playing career.

Gallegos spent two seasons at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and was a member of the Horned Frogs' 2011 Rose Bowl champions squad as well as the team that played in the 2010 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. He lettered four times in both football and baseball at Irving High School and Arlington Grace Prep where he was a three-time all-state selection.

A native of Irving, Gallegos is completing his degree in communications at A&M-Commerce with an emphasis in education levels 8-12. He has also spent the last season as a member of the Lion men's golf team.

Tyler Rawlings is in his first season as a student assistant coach, assisting coach Kevin Bleil with the Lion receiving units.

A two-year starter for the Lions, Rawlings was one of A&M-Commerce's top receivers for the past two years, hauling in 72 passes for 944 yards and four touchdowns. He had five or more catches in eight games in an A&M-Commerce uniform, highlighted by a nine-catch performance against Abilene Christian in 2012 while setting a career-best with 97 receiving yards at Tarleton State in 2011. He was the J.V. Sikes Award winner in 2012 and was recognized as a scholar-athlete by the National Football Foundation Gridiron Club of Dallas.

Rawlings came to Commerce after spending two seasons at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, where he was a first-team all-region and all-conference selection and helped lead the Badgers to a pair of "Top of the Mountain" bowl championships. He was a two-time all-state and all-conference selection at Montrose High School where he lettered a total of 11 times - four in football and basketball and three times in track.

A native of Montrose, Colorado, Rawlings is currently pursuing his degree in history education.

Bio coming soon.