COMMERCE – East Texas A&M University head football coach Clint Dolezel has finalized his coaching staff for the 2026 season, which features seven new position coaches.

Entering his fourth season leading the Lion football program, Dolezel has assembled a staff that combines 97 years of Division I coaching experience. Several members of the staff have also coached in various professional football leagues.

Four members of the coaching staff are former Lion student-athletes.

Returning for their fourth seasons are Dolezel and Chase Paramore, while Jeff Cleveland and Isaac Perez enter their third seasons with the program. Luke Jaicks and Bob Connelly are back for their second seasons, and Director of Football Strength and Conditioning John McWilliams also enters his fourth season with the Lions.

Jesse Thompson takes over as the Lions' defensive coordinator while also coaching the cornerbacks. He arrives in Commerce from North Carolina Central and has previously coached at Mississippi Valley State, Northern Arizona, Delta State, and Oklahoma Panhandle State.

Chris Roberts returns to his alma mater as the Lions' special teams coordinator and running backs coach. He most recently served at New Mexico after previous stops at UTSA, McMurry, and several Texas high schools.

Zane Samuel takes over as defensive line coach after serving as a graduate assistant at Tulane. Prior to that, he coached at Coahoma Community College, Mississippi Valley State, and East Central Community College.

Joshua George joins the staff as assistant offensive line coach, working alongside Connelly. He previously coached at Eastern Illinois and Arkansas-Monticello.

Charlie Camp has been named linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator. His coaching résumé includes stops at UTSA, HCU, Akron, North Dakota State, Nevada, San Jose State, Oregon State, San Diego State, and Idaho as a linebackers coach, along with a stint as defensive ends coach at Arizona. He has also completed internships with the NFL's Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers.

Zachary Shagi is the Lions' new tight ends coach, returning to the collegiate ranks following a three-year stint in the United Football League. He has also coached at Central Connecticut State, Stony Brook, and Western Connecticut State.

Drew Zaubi begins his second stint with the Lions after briefly serving as an offensive graduate assistant in 2023. He spent the past three seasons at Missouri State as assistant wide receivers coach and has also coached at Dodge City Community College. Zaubi played collegiately at Louisville.

Daniel Mojica joins the program as director of football operations. He previously held roles at UConn, Fordham, South Dakota State, and Yale.

The Lions' complete coaching staff for the 2026 season can be found below.
 

Name	Title	New in 2026?
Clint Dolezel	Head Coach
Jesse Thompson	Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks	Yes
Chris Roberts	Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator	Yes
Chase Paramore	Wide Receivers / Pass Game Coordinator / Recruiting Coordinator
Bob Connelly	Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator
Luke Jaicks	Safeties
Zane Samuel	Defensive Line	Yes
Joshua George	Assistant Offensive Line	Yes
Charlie Camp	Linebackers/Defensive Run Game Coordinator	Yes
Zachary Shagi	Tight Ends	Yes
Drew Zaubi	Quarterbacks	Yes
John McWilliams	Director of Football Strength & Conditioning
Isaac Perez	Director of Scouting/Video Coordinator/NFL Liaison
Jeff Cleveland	Football Chief of Staff
Daniel Mojica	Director of Football Operations	Yes

 
Season and single game tickets for the 2026 Lion Football season are on sale now and can be purchased at LionAthletics.com/tickets.