Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie added another assistant coach to his staff as Scott Power will be joining the Bulldogs as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
Power comes to Ruston after spending the past three seasons in the same role at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas.
“I know first-hand the type of coach and defensive play caller Scott is,” said Cumbie. “His defenses play tough, aggressive, and are prepared very well. Scott has worked his way up through the ranks and has been a winner at every level. I cannot wait to work with Scott and his family to bring many wonderful moments to Louisiana Tech Football.”
During the past three seasons at Stephen F. Austin, Power signed back-to-back Top 5 recruiting classes on the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), including the No. 3 class in 2019 and the No. 5 class in 2020. Both of those classes included the No. 1 overall signee in the FCS ranks.
“I am very excited to join the Bulldog Football Family,” said Power. “I’m very appreciative of Coach Cumbie for this opportunity. I look forward to adding to the already strong tradition that exists at Louisiana Tech. I cannot wait to meet the team and get started.”
Power’s 2021 defense at Stephen F. Austin ranked among the best in the Western Athletic Conference and in the nation, helping lead the Lumberjacks to the NCAA FCS Playoffs. SFA ranked No. 1 in the WAC in scoring defense, total defense, takeaways, sacks and opponent third down conversion percentage.
SFA posted an 8-4 with close losses to FBS Texas Tech (L, 28-22; Sonny Cumbie’s former school) and No. 1 ranked Sam Houston State (L, 21-20). The Lumberjacks fell 35-28 in overtime to Incarnate Word.
The previous season saw SFA rank No. 2 in the Southland Conference in scoring defense and total defense and No. 1 in pass defense efficiency, interceptions and takeaways. Power coached the 2020 Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year. During is time at SFA, he coached 14 all-conference recipients, including nine first teamers.
During his one year at Texas A&M Commerce, Power served as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. His defense ranked in the top 10 in the country in pass defense efficiency, tackles for loss, opponent third down conversion percentage, opponents first downs and yards per play. Texas A&M-Commerce ranked No. 9 in the AFCA poll and earned a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Power also coached at Central Washington (2016-17: Defensive Coordinator), Marion University (Ind.) (2013-15: Defensive Coordinator) and Wartburg College (2009-12: Linebackers, Defensive Line). He orchestrated Top 10 defenses at every stop along the way as he eventually moved up to the FCS level.
He has coached nine all-Americans, 63 all-conference selections and 16 all-region honorees during his career.
He was named the 2015 NAIA Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com and the Mid-States Football Association Assistant Coach of the Year the same season.
The Fowler, Ind., native played at both Wisconsin-Platteville and Hanover College before pursuing a professional career in Europe and the Arena Football League. After earning his bachelor’s degree at IUPUI, Power then served as the defensive coordinator at Benton Central High School in Oxford, Ind., for two seasons.
Power and his wife, Megan, have two sons – Troy and Thad – and two daughters – Tatum and Teryn.
