Austin Peay State University Football’s Assistant Running Backs Coach Paul Derrick Resigns

Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University ( APSU ) football head coach Kirby Cannon announced today that running backs coach Paul Derrick has resigned for family considerations.

Derrick has elected to accept a high school coaching position closer to home in Nashville, TN. He and his wife, Mandy, are expecting their first child. In addition, a family illness also weighed in his decision to stay closer to home.

Derrick, who was a standout Govs receiver during the early 2000s, was hired as APSU’s defensive backfield assistant in 2011. He was shifted to running backs coach last spring.

“It’s a loss to the program,” Cannon said. “He is a quality person and very good coach. “His feeling was that he could change more lives at the high school level and that is an argument you can’t win.”

“I would love for him to stay. He is an alum, he’s got a great vision on what you can do here. He is going to always a great supporter of the program and a great connection,” stated Cannon.

Cannon indicated he will seek a wide receivers coach as Derrick’s replacement. Current wide receiver coach Marcus Gildersleeve, who also will handle offensive coordinator duties, will shift over to running backs.