Former SMU DB lands coaching gig

[PonyPride]

From utepathletics.com:

UTEP FOOTBALL HIRES CORNERBACKS COACH
Head coach Sean Kugler announced the addition of Derrius Bell to football coaching staff

Feb. 16, 2016

EL PASO – Head coach Sean Kugler announced the addition of Derrius Bell to the football coaching staff on Tuesday.

Bell comes to UTEP after serving on the SMU staff for three seasons. Bell will be working with the Miners cornerbacks.

Bell served as the Mustangs defensive coordinator of quality control from 2013-2014. Prior to being promoted to quality control, Bell was a graduate assistant under Miners’ defensive coordinator Tom Mason.

In 2012, he was instrumental in the Mustangs defensive journey, posting two shutouts and tying an NCAA interception record, ranking 15th in rush defense with just 118 yards per game, while also tying for third in takeaways (37), ranking second in fumble recoveries for touch­down (16) and led the nation in interceptions for touchdown (eight).

Bell not only aided Mason for three seasons but also played for him at SMU. He lettered for the Mustangs for three season (2007-2009) and appeared in over 20 games. During his playing career, he notched 66 tackles and two interceptions. As a sophomore he started in 11 games and totaled 53 stops, 5.5 tackles for loss and nine pass breakups. In 2007, saw action in nine games as a true freshman.

Prior to heading to SMU, Bell rated the 12th-best corner prospect by ESPN.com. As a senior at Hillcrest High School, he recorded 59 tackles, three picks and seven pass breakups. Bell also made an impact on special teams and offense, notching two kickoff returns for touchdowns and catching 13 passes for 158 yards and a score.

Bell received his degree from SMU in 2011. His older brother Dustin Bell played corner for the Miners two seasons (2008-2009).

[JasonB]

Bell getting hurt was a real bummer. Great hips, I think he would have been the best CB out of SMU if he hadn't been hurt.

[PSCA]

He quit as a result of too many concussions

[SMU21TCU10]

When I clicked on this link I figured it was Bell. Good for him

[Horseshoe]

More evidence of what a good guy Coach Mason is. "Take care of your business" is more than just lip service to recruits - see Joyner at Hawaii and now Bell at UTEP. Very cool that he's helping his own (our own) kickstart their coaching careers.

[Buena Vista Mustang]

More evidence of what a good guy Coach Mason is. "Take care of your business" is more than just lip service to recruits - see Joyner at Hawaii and now Bell at UTEP. Very cool that he's helping his own (our own) kickstart their coaching careers.

Exactly! I'll be rooting for UTEP this fall!