Zane Samuel arrived to East Texas A&M as the defensive line coach in spring 2026.
Samuel brings experience from multiple collegiate programs across the FBS, FCS, junior college, and Division II levels. Before joining East Texas A&M, he served as a graduate assistant at Tulane University, where he assisted with the defensive line, opponent scouting, film breakdown, recruiting operations, and game planning. During his time with the Green Wave, the defensive front-seven produced 29 sacks while helping developing all-conference defensive end Santana Hopper.
Prior to Tulane, Samuel coached the defensive line and coordinated special teams at Coahoma Community College, after serving on the defensive staffs at Mississippi Valley State and East Central Community College. Throughout his coaching career, he has been heavily involved in defensive line development, recruiting, opponent analysis, special teams, and player mentorship.
A former standout defensive lineman at Delta State, Samuel earned Second Team All-GSC honors in 2019 and was the recipient of the Freddie Black Award. He finished his collegiate career with 31 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three blocked kicks. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration and his master’s degree in Sports Human Performance and Sports Administration from Delta State.
Samuel’s coaching philosophy centers on relentless effort, technical excellence, accountability, and developing young men who excel in competition, the classroom, and their communities.
