CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – It’s been a busy offseason for the Austin Peay football team. After just barely missing out on the FCS Playoffs in 2025, the team has been busy reloading for another run at the postseason in 2026.

Earlier this offseason, APSU star quarterback Chris Parson announced his return to Austin Peay for the 2026 season. Then, the team added one of the highest-rated transfer portal classes in the entire FCS to solidify the roster.

Last week, the team’s complete 12-game schedule was released for 2026. Now this week, head coach Jeff Faris has announced the addition of four assistant coaches to the staff for the upcoming season.

Austin Peay’s football team defeated Samford, 30-16, on Senior Day in its regular-season home finale at Fortera Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee. Photo by Carder Tipler, APSU Athletics.
Austin Peay’s football team defeated Samford, 30-16, on Senior Day in its regular-season home finale at Fortera Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee. (Carder Tipler, APSU Athletics)

2026-27 coaching additions

A name that will be familiar to football fans is Gavin Spurrier. Spurrier is the grandson of legendary football coach Steve Spurrier, who is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and known for his time as the head coach of the Florida Gators and South Carolina Gamecocks.

Spurrier will take on the role of pass-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Austin Peay. Spurrier played for the Duke Blue Devils when Faris was on staff, and in 2025, he was the assistant tight ends coach at Texas A&M.

Before hiring Spurrier, Shane Tucker held the role of pass-game coordinator, while Quinn Billerman was the quarterbacks coach, in addition to being offensive coordinator. Tucker left to become the passing-game coordinator for reigning division II-AA state champion Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, TN. Billerman, meanwhile, will now fully focus on his responsibilities as offensive coordinator.

Another new addition is wide receiver coach Jonathan Lloyd. Lloyd replaces Tucker, who handled wide receiver coaching duties in addition to his role as pass-game coordinator. Lloyd’s most recent experience was as an offensive assistant at Troy.

Next, Faris has brought on Darien Moody to be the defensive line coach. Moody replaces DeOn’Tae Pannell, who left to join Matt Campbell’s inaugural staff at Penn State. Moody has prior coaching experience at Samford, Southern Miss, Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State.

Lastly, Faris has added Christian Mitchell as the program’s chief of staff. Mitchell replaces Luke Haker, who left for a position at Auburn. Mitchell was previously director of football operations at Coastal Carolina. 

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