LA VERNE, Calif. — University of La Verne football head coach Chris Krich announced that James Stewart will take over as the new defensive coordinator for the Leopards.
"We're excited to bring Coach Stewart aboard," said Krich. "He has proven himself as a defensive coordinator and is a great fit for our culture."
Stewart brings to La Verne 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, most recently as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Chaffey College. During his time at Chaffey, Stewart led the 2013 Panthers' squad to a No.1 ranking in the Southern California Football Association in points against and takeaways, along with a fourth-ranked run defense and fifth-ranked total defense. During his tenure, the Panthers captured a conference championship, three straight bowl game appearances, and set the school record for most transfers to four-year colleges and universities in four consecutive years.
"I'm very excited to join Coach Krich's staff and the Leo family," said coach Stewart. "Many of my former players have been students here so I'm very familiar with La Verne's successful tradition and history. I'm very impressed with our players and I know they are eager to get to work."
Prior to his assistant head coach position at Chaffey, Stewart served during the 2011 season as the linebackers coach at Victor Valley College and in 2012 was promoted to defensive coordinator of the Rams. In his first season handling the defensive play-calling duties, Stewart orchestrated the No. 7 ranked run defense in the SCFA.
Stewart began his coaching career at Chaffey College as the Panthers' safeties coach and as an offensive assistant in 2009. That season, Chaffey ranked first in takeaways and red zone defense and third in yards against in the SCFA. The following season the Panthers ranked fifth in both total defense and run defense.
After his first stint at Chaffey, Stewart worked as a graduate assistant at San Diego State University for the 2008 season. He returned to Chaffey the following season working as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
In addition to his coaching duties, Stewart worked as an adjunct physical education instructor at Chaffey teaching classes on physical education, dieting, fitness, and first aid.
Stewart earned his master's degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University, his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Cal State Fullerton, and an associate's degree in general education from Chaffey College.
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