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Earlier today, Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman reported that Middle Tennessee’s cornerback coach Steve Ellis would be coming to USF to become their defensive backs coach. Nathan Bond of The Daily Stampede has been able to confirm the news.
SOURCE: #MiddleTennessee CBs coach/recruiting coordinator Steve Ellis, a former co-DC there, will become the new DBs coach at #USF. He developed Kevin Byard and Charvarius Ward, among other future NFL players.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 8, 2019
I’ve been able to confirm @BruceFeldmanCFB’s report that @USFFootball is set to hire MTSU’s Steve Ellis to be their new DB coach. Ellis recruited FL and knows defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary well.
— Nathan Bond (@BullsNathanSBN) February 8, 2019
He’s making his way to Tampa this weekend to finalize the deal. #USF
Ellis will replace former USF DB coach Blue Adams, who was one of two coaches that were relieved of their duties prior to the Gasparilla Bowl. Adams has since moved onto the same position at Oregon State University.
The Stringer, Miss. native wrapped up his 10th season as MTSU’s cornerbacks coach and his fourth as the recruiting coordinator for the Blue Raiders. In that time, Ellis recruited Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
His ties to the Bay Area are prevalent, as well. Ellis signed Bloomingdale High (Valrico) CB Jaylen Jackson as a part of MTSU’s 2019 recruiting class.
Ellis coached former NFL draft selections in Kevin Byard (third round 2016 pick to Tennessee) and Charavius Ward (UFA, now plays with Kansas City).
Before he was appointed to the recruiting coordinator job, Ellis served as a co-defensive coordinator for three seasons (2012-14). In 2013, he helped coach a defensive unit that ranked fifth in the NCAA in turnovers and 17th in red zone defense.
Prior to MTSU, Ellis coached at Nicholls State from 2003-10, coaching linebackers, safety and working as defensive coordinator for three seasons before joining the Blue Raiders’ staff.
Ellis is expected to sign with the Bulls on Monday.