Angelo State Football Names New Defensive Coordinator

SAN ANGELO, TX — Angelo State has hired Joe Ford as its defensive coordinator, head coach Jeff Girsch announced recently.

"We're excited to add Coach Ford to the mix. He's a guy I have known for a long time. I admire his work and what he has done," Coach Girsch said. "He's been to several different programs and has won in every place he's gone to."

Ford joins the Rams after spending the past three seasons at Bemidji State, where he served as defensive coordinator and worked with the safeties.

During his tenure with the Beavers, Ford’s defenses produced 17 all-conference selections, including a conference defensive player of the year. He was named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024 after leading a unit that ranked first in the conference in six categories, including total defense, scoring defense and sacks.

Bemidji State allowed 240.8 yards per game and 15.7 points per game in 2024 while recording 33 sacks. The Beavers also finished among the top 25 nationally in multiple defensive categories and advanced to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.

Girsch said Ford brings experience and leadership to the program.

"His references boasted about how outstanding a teacher and relationship builder he is with the players he's been around," Girsch continued. "At the end of the day, we're bringing on an outstanding coach and great leader who has had a lot of success."

Ford has previous coaching stops at South Dakota at the Football Championship Subdivision level and several Division II programs, including Southwest Minnesota State, St. Cloud State and Sioux Falls. He has served as a defensive coordinator at five programs, including Bemidji State, Sioux Falls, North Carolina-Pembroke and Minot State.

A native of Brandon, South Dakota, Ford earned his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State in 2003 and a master’s degree from St. Cloud State in 2007.