CHICAGO, Ill. (December 29, 2025) – Chicago State University announced today that
Le'Marcus Gibson has been named the program's
first-ever Defensive Coordinator, marking a major milestone as the Cougars continue building the foundation of their football program.
A native of Starkville, Miss., Gibson brings a decade of coaching experience across the collegiate ranks, along with a reputation for developing elite defensive units and elevating programs through disciplined, high-level defensive play.
After a short stint as an assistant coach at Lenoir-Rhyne in 2023 working with defensive backs, Gibson joined the Hampton University coaching staff later that summer. In his first season with the Pirates, he coached the safeties before being elevated to Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and Safeties Coach. Under his leadership, Hampton's pass defense became the top-ranked unit in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in 2024, allowing just 167.8 passing yards per game and finishing 11th nationally in the FCS.
Prior to Hampton, Gibson spent the 2022 season at Division II West Texas A&M coaching defensive backs. His work contributed to the development of standout strong safety Tre Everett, who later earned honorable mention All-CAA honors in 2024.
Gibson also spent three seasons at Holmes Community College in Mississippi, beginning as defensive backs coach and associate head coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator for his final two years. His leadership helped elevate the Bulldogs' defensive performance across multiple categories.
Before his time at Holmes, Gibson served at Oklahoma Panhandle State, first as defensive backs coach and strength and conditioning coordinator, then as defensive coordinator in 2018. His earlier coaching stops include Grambling State (strength and conditioning graduate assistant, 2014–15) and Nicholls State (safeties coach, 2015–16).
Gibson began his playing career at Hawaii before transferring to Mississippi Gulf Coast. He later walked on at Louisiana, where he became a standout defensive player and earned his bachelor's degree.
"Le'Marcus Gibson is a proven defensive mind with a track record of building disciplined, high-performing units," said head coach
Bobby Rome II. "His leadership, experience, and ability to develop student-athletes make him the ideal choice as Chicago State's first Defensive Coordinator."
Gibson's extensive coaching background, defensive expertise, and commitment to player development position him as a cornerstone in shaping the identity and future of Chicago State football.
