Caid Faske Returns to SFA as Defensive Coordinator
1/5/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
Former Lumberjack defensive end coach, CSU Pueblo DC tabbed to lead SFA’s defensive unit
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin head football coach Colby Carthel has announced the hiring of Caid Faske as the program's new defensive coordinator. The official announcement was made on Monday, January 5. Faske replaces former DC Mike Mutz who departed the program to accept the same position at FBS Georgia Southern. The hiring marks the return of the Bushland, Texas native who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Colorado State Pueblo for the past three seasons and who coached the Lumberjack defensive ends from 2019 to 2022.
"I am fired up to welcome Caid, Shylo, Anniston, Leighton and Cooper back into the Lumberjack family," noted Carthel. "I've worked alongside Caid for well over a decade and there's not a better human being in the profession! He's a proven winner as a DC, kids love to play for him, and he's a relentless recruiter."
In three seasons orchestrating the ThunderWolves defense, Faske and CSU Pueblo produced one of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's top defensive units known for forcing turnovers, pressuring the quarterback and living in the opponent backfield. Faske's unit totaled 71 turnovers over three seasons ranking inside the top 30 nationally during all three campaigns including the eighth-most turnovers gained (26) in 2025. His trench operations were dominant leading the RMAC in sacks in 2023 and 2024 with both marks landing inside the DII top 10, while posting a top 25 mark this past season.
CSU Pueblo averaged nine wins a season over Faske's three years, including back-to-back 10-win campaigns which also included two RMAC Championships and a pair of NCAA postseason berths. In 14 seasons as a collegiate coach, Faske has been a part of seven championship teams, which includes Texas A&M-Commerce's 2017 NCAA DII National Championship and SFA's 2022 WAC title in his last season leading the defensive end unit.
"I'm fired up to be back at SFA… being back in Texas is home," remarked Faske. "My family and I are beyond excited to return to Nacogdoches and get to work. I spent four years here building with Coach Carthel, and leaving only sharpened my edge. I'm coming back hungrier, more experienced, and fully prepared to lead a championship-level defense. We will play fast, relentless, violent, disciplined football. We will violently attack offenses, dictate games, and bring an edge that's felt every snap as we keep this defense playing at an elite level."
Faske's appointment as SFA's new leader of the defense reunites him with Carthel who Faske not only coached under in his first stint in Nacogdoches, but also at Texas A&M-Commerce and West Texas A&M.
This previous season, the Pack defense led the RMAC in defensive TDs and interceptions and rated second in passing defense, passing efficiency defense, rushing defense, sacks, tackles for loss and total defense. A dozen CSU Pueblo defenders received All-RMAC recognition as the Pack won ten games for the second-straight season and earned an NCAA postseason berth.
The 2024 season saw the Pack defense hold top 20 national rankings in sacks, tackles for loss, turnovers gained and interceptions with a top 35 third-down defense and 75% stop rate when factoring in turnovers, turnovers on downs and 3-and-outs. That campaign saw Faske's unit aid the ThunderWolves in earning Super Region 4's top seed and a first-round bye in the NCAA DII playoffs. The unit produced 15 all-conference selections, a pair of all-region honorees and an All-American in Daniel Bone III, while defensive lineman Makeah Scippio was a nominee for the 2024 Gene Upshaw DII Lineman of the Year.
Faske's first season in Pueblo fabricated a defensive side that finished inside the nation's top 10 in sacks with an RMAC-leading 36. The ThunderWolves held top 15 national rankings in turnovers gained, a top 20 mark in tackles for loss and top 25 efforts in red zone defense and third down defense. The 2023 defense was led by ten All-RMAC selections, All-American defensive back Daniel Bone III and RMAC Defensive Freshman of the Year linebacker Gary Seidenberger.
Prior to taking his first defensive coordinator post, Faske directed the defensive ends for the Lumberjacks from 2019 to 2022. During his first season, he was honored by the American Football Coaches Association as member of the 2020 35 Under 35 Class. Faske mentored former Lumberjack standout BJ Thompson who went on to be selected by the Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft as well as four other all-conference performers.
Under Faske, SFA's defensive ends unit helped the Lumberjack defense rate in the top 20 nationally in multiple categories including top five marks in the country in sacks (3.75) and tackles for loss (8.0) in 2021. Over four seasons, the 'Jacks' defensive ends averaged 94 tackles, 14.0 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and 2.5 forced fumbles seasonally.
Faske served as the defensive line coach at Texas A&M-Commerce from 2015-2018 and in the process developed the Lions' defensive front into one of the top groups in all of Division II football. The Lions' defensive line helped A&M-Commerce rate among the top two in the Lone Star Conference in rushing defense and passing defense as well as employ a top 30 total defense nationally in each of his final two seasons, while annually ranking among the nation's best in multiple defensive categories.
During the Lions' national championship run, Faske's defensive line supported a unit that ranked 15th in DII in scoring defense (16.7 ppg), 11th in passing efficiency defense (98.41), 13th in tackles for loss (8.5) and 20th in sacks (2.93) in addition to boasting a top 30 defense overall. In his first season, A&M-Commerce produced a top 25 rushing defense and the Lions led the LSC in rush defense, scoring defense, total defense and ranked second in sacks.
Before joining Carthel's staff at Texas A&M-Commerce, Faske spent part of the spring of 2015 at North Texas as a defensive assistant, assisting with recruiting and helping coach the defensive line. Prior to his time in Denton, Faske spent three seasons at West Texas A&M, where he led the Buffs' defensive line and recruited the West Texas area.
Faske joined the coaching staff at West Texas A&M after his playing career for the Buffs was cut short due to health issues. During his first year on the staff in 2012, Faske coached three first team all-conference defensive linemen, including defensive tackle Aaron Wampler and All-American defensive ends Ethan Westbrooks and Tyrell Higgins. Under his tutelage, Faske helped Westbrooks lead the nation in sacks with 19.5 on his way to earning Daktronics National Defensive Player of the Year honors. The West Texas defense, under the direction of Carthel, recorded 59 sacks as a team to lead all of Division II.
In his coaching career, Faske has positionally coached 31 All-Conference players, six All-Americans, multiple All-Region selections and a National Defensive Player of the Year. In three seasons as a defensive coordinator, he has had 37 All-RMAC honorees, multiple All-Region players and two All Americans. Overall, fifteen players under Faske's tutelage have signed undrafted free agent contracts in the National Football League.
Faske graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports exercise science from West Texas A&M and with a master's degree in athletic administration from Texas A&M Commerce. He attended Bushland High School where he was an all-district offensive and defensive lineman as a senior. As a junior, he helped lead the team to a 15-1 record and a state championship berth.
He and his wife Shylo, who are high school sweethearts, have been married since June 2014. They are the proud parents of three beautiful kids: daughters, Aniston and Leighton, and son Cooper.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CAID FASKE
Joey McGuire
Texas Tech HC
"Coach Faske is an elite recruiter and knows how to develop talent. This is a great hire."
Phil Vigil
Colorado State Pueblo HC
"Caid Faske has been an integral part of our success at CSU Pueblo. He is a defensive mind, an outstanding teacher of the game, and a relentless worker who demands excellence from his players and himself. More importantly, he is a man of character who builds trust, accountability, and toughness. Stephen F. Austin State University is getting a tremendous defensive coordinator, and I have no doubt he will elevate that program the moment he walks in the door. I'm proud of Caid and his family and I'm excited to see him thrive in this next chapter."
Don Carthel
Former West Texas A&M HC, Former Texas A&M-Commerce ST QC, Former SFA ST QC
"Caid Faske has been a highly motivated coach since his first coaching job at WTAMU. Caid is determined to out-coach and out-recruit any competitor. He is well respected as a defensive coach and coordinator. Caid is a winner and he will be a great leader for the SFA players and coaches."
Scott Power
Former SFA DC, Current Central Washington HC
"Caid is an excellent hire for Stephen F. Austin. He will bring energy & enthusiasm to the Lumberjack Defense. Caid's passion, caring for others, and dedication to continuously improve will help propel the Lumberjacks to another Southland Conference championship!"
Ben Arbuckle
Current Oklahoma OC/QB Coach
"I'm fired up for Coach Faske and his family! Caid is a great human who is passionate and relentless about this profession and everything that goes into ensuring development and success for his players lives and playing career."
John Wristen
Former CSU Pueblo HC
"I think Caid is a great teacher, mentor of young men. We will miss his leadership. He strives to be great and I'm glad I got a chance to watch him work."
Joe Cauthen
Former SFA DC, most recently Memphis defensive line coach
"Caid's relentless work ethic will allow him to bring SFA continued success. He's hungry to be the best at what he does. The defensive players at SFA will feel Caid's passion for them to be successful on and off the field!"
Jeremiah Johnson
Kansas State DB Coach
"I couldn't be more excited for Coach Faske and his family to be heading back to SFA. SFA is getting a defensive innovator, exceptional leader but most importantly, a high character man. He is going to serve with all his heart and the whole community will be better because of it. Great things are coming for the SFA defense."
Bryan Nardo
Minnesota Senior Defensive Assistant
"SFA could not have hired a better person to lead their defense! Caid is an absolute rockstar in this profession and on top of that he is an even better person. I've been fortunate to know him for a while now and all I have ever seen is him continually impress every year with how hard his kids play, how well they play together towards a common goal and how well he develops year in and year out. Those players are in good hands!"
Mario Price
AFCA Director of Coaching Education
"I am excited to see Caid Faske return to SFA as the defensive coordinator. Caid is an outstanding coach and an even better person who brings energy, authenticity, and leadership into every room he enters. After building a nationally ranked defense at Colorado State Pueblo and continuing to be an elite recruiter across the country, there is no denying the significant impact he has already made in this profession. Stephen F. Austin is getting an incredible father, husband, and coach back in the Lumberjack community. I cannot wait to see the immediate impact he makes on and off the field."
THE FASKE FILE
Hometown: Bushland, Texas
High School: Bushland HS
Education: West Texas A&M; Texas A&M-Commerce
Family: Shylo (wife), Aniston (daughter), Leighton (daughter), Cooper (son)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Present: SFA | Defensive Coordinator
2023-2025: CSU Pueblo | Defensive Coordinator
2019-2022: SFA | Defensive Ends
2015-18: Texas A&M-Commerce | Defensive Line
2015: North Texas | Defensive Assistant
2012-14: West Texas A&M | Defensive Line
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
"I am fired up to welcome Caid, Shylo, Anniston, Leighton and Cooper back into the Lumberjack family," noted Carthel. "I've worked alongside Caid for well over a decade and there's not a better human being in the profession! He's a proven winner as a DC, kids love to play for him, and he's a relentless recruiter."
In three seasons orchestrating the ThunderWolves defense, Faske and CSU Pueblo produced one of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's top defensive units known for forcing turnovers, pressuring the quarterback and living in the opponent backfield. Faske's unit totaled 71 turnovers over three seasons ranking inside the top 30 nationally during all three campaigns including the eighth-most turnovers gained (26) in 2025. His trench operations were dominant leading the RMAC in sacks in 2023 and 2024 with both marks landing inside the DII top 10, while posting a top 25 mark this past season.
CSU Pueblo averaged nine wins a season over Faske's three years, including back-to-back 10-win campaigns which also included two RMAC Championships and a pair of NCAA postseason berths. In 14 seasons as a collegiate coach, Faske has been a part of seven championship teams, which includes Texas A&M-Commerce's 2017 NCAA DII National Championship and SFA's 2022 WAC title in his last season leading the defensive end unit.
"I'm fired up to be back at SFA… being back in Texas is home," remarked Faske. "My family and I are beyond excited to return to Nacogdoches and get to work. I spent four years here building with Coach Carthel, and leaving only sharpened my edge. I'm coming back hungrier, more experienced, and fully prepared to lead a championship-level defense. We will play fast, relentless, violent, disciplined football. We will violently attack offenses, dictate games, and bring an edge that's felt every snap as we keep this defense playing at an elite level."
Faske's appointment as SFA's new leader of the defense reunites him with Carthel who Faske not only coached under in his first stint in Nacogdoches, but also at Texas A&M-Commerce and West Texas A&M.
This previous season, the Pack defense led the RMAC in defensive TDs and interceptions and rated second in passing defense, passing efficiency defense, rushing defense, sacks, tackles for loss and total defense. A dozen CSU Pueblo defenders received All-RMAC recognition as the Pack won ten games for the second-straight season and earned an NCAA postseason berth.
The 2024 season saw the Pack defense hold top 20 national rankings in sacks, tackles for loss, turnovers gained and interceptions with a top 35 third-down defense and 75% stop rate when factoring in turnovers, turnovers on downs and 3-and-outs. That campaign saw Faske's unit aid the ThunderWolves in earning Super Region 4's top seed and a first-round bye in the NCAA DII playoffs. The unit produced 15 all-conference selections, a pair of all-region honorees and an All-American in Daniel Bone III, while defensive lineman Makeah Scippio was a nominee for the 2024 Gene Upshaw DII Lineman of the Year.
Faske's first season in Pueblo fabricated a defensive side that finished inside the nation's top 10 in sacks with an RMAC-leading 36. The ThunderWolves held top 15 national rankings in turnovers gained, a top 20 mark in tackles for loss and top 25 efforts in red zone defense and third down defense. The 2023 defense was led by ten All-RMAC selections, All-American defensive back Daniel Bone III and RMAC Defensive Freshman of the Year linebacker Gary Seidenberger.
Prior to taking his first defensive coordinator post, Faske directed the defensive ends for the Lumberjacks from 2019 to 2022. During his first season, he was honored by the American Football Coaches Association as member of the 2020 35 Under 35 Class. Faske mentored former Lumberjack standout BJ Thompson who went on to be selected by the Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft as well as four other all-conference performers.
Under Faske, SFA's defensive ends unit helped the Lumberjack defense rate in the top 20 nationally in multiple categories including top five marks in the country in sacks (3.75) and tackles for loss (8.0) in 2021. Over four seasons, the 'Jacks' defensive ends averaged 94 tackles, 14.0 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and 2.5 forced fumbles seasonally.
Faske served as the defensive line coach at Texas A&M-Commerce from 2015-2018 and in the process developed the Lions' defensive front into one of the top groups in all of Division II football. The Lions' defensive line helped A&M-Commerce rate among the top two in the Lone Star Conference in rushing defense and passing defense as well as employ a top 30 total defense nationally in each of his final two seasons, while annually ranking among the nation's best in multiple defensive categories.
During the Lions' national championship run, Faske's defensive line supported a unit that ranked 15th in DII in scoring defense (16.7 ppg), 11th in passing efficiency defense (98.41), 13th in tackles for loss (8.5) and 20th in sacks (2.93) in addition to boasting a top 30 defense overall. In his first season, A&M-Commerce produced a top 25 rushing defense and the Lions led the LSC in rush defense, scoring defense, total defense and ranked second in sacks.
Before joining Carthel's staff at Texas A&M-Commerce, Faske spent part of the spring of 2015 at North Texas as a defensive assistant, assisting with recruiting and helping coach the defensive line. Prior to his time in Denton, Faske spent three seasons at West Texas A&M, where he led the Buffs' defensive line and recruited the West Texas area.
Faske joined the coaching staff at West Texas A&M after his playing career for the Buffs was cut short due to health issues. During his first year on the staff in 2012, Faske coached three first team all-conference defensive linemen, including defensive tackle Aaron Wampler and All-American defensive ends Ethan Westbrooks and Tyrell Higgins. Under his tutelage, Faske helped Westbrooks lead the nation in sacks with 19.5 on his way to earning Daktronics National Defensive Player of the Year honors. The West Texas defense, under the direction of Carthel, recorded 59 sacks as a team to lead all of Division II.
In his coaching career, Faske has positionally coached 31 All-Conference players, six All-Americans, multiple All-Region selections and a National Defensive Player of the Year. In three seasons as a defensive coordinator, he has had 37 All-RMAC honorees, multiple All-Region players and two All Americans. Overall, fifteen players under Faske's tutelage have signed undrafted free agent contracts in the National Football League.
Faske graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports exercise science from West Texas A&M and with a master's degree in athletic administration from Texas A&M Commerce. He attended Bushland High School where he was an all-district offensive and defensive lineman as a senior. As a junior, he helped lead the team to a 15-1 record and a state championship berth.
He and his wife Shylo, who are high school sweethearts, have been married since June 2014. They are the proud parents of three beautiful kids: daughters, Aniston and Leighton, and son Cooper.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CAID FASKE
Joey McGuire
Texas Tech HC
"Coach Faske is an elite recruiter and knows how to develop talent. This is a great hire."
Phil Vigil
Colorado State Pueblo HC
"Caid Faske has been an integral part of our success at CSU Pueblo. He is a defensive mind, an outstanding teacher of the game, and a relentless worker who demands excellence from his players and himself. More importantly, he is a man of character who builds trust, accountability, and toughness. Stephen F. Austin State University is getting a tremendous defensive coordinator, and I have no doubt he will elevate that program the moment he walks in the door. I'm proud of Caid and his family and I'm excited to see him thrive in this next chapter."
Don Carthel
Former West Texas A&M HC, Former Texas A&M-Commerce ST QC, Former SFA ST QC
"Caid Faske has been a highly motivated coach since his first coaching job at WTAMU. Caid is determined to out-coach and out-recruit any competitor. He is well respected as a defensive coach and coordinator. Caid is a winner and he will be a great leader for the SFA players and coaches."
Scott Power
Former SFA DC, Current Central Washington HC
"Caid is an excellent hire for Stephen F. Austin. He will bring energy & enthusiasm to the Lumberjack Defense. Caid's passion, caring for others, and dedication to continuously improve will help propel the Lumberjacks to another Southland Conference championship!"
Ben Arbuckle
Current Oklahoma OC/QB Coach
"I'm fired up for Coach Faske and his family! Caid is a great human who is passionate and relentless about this profession and everything that goes into ensuring development and success for his players lives and playing career."
John Wristen
Former CSU Pueblo HC
"I think Caid is a great teacher, mentor of young men. We will miss his leadership. He strives to be great and I'm glad I got a chance to watch him work."
Joe Cauthen
Former SFA DC, most recently Memphis defensive line coach
"Caid's relentless work ethic will allow him to bring SFA continued success. He's hungry to be the best at what he does. The defensive players at SFA will feel Caid's passion for them to be successful on and off the field!"
Jeremiah Johnson
Kansas State DB Coach
"I couldn't be more excited for Coach Faske and his family to be heading back to SFA. SFA is getting a defensive innovator, exceptional leader but most importantly, a high character man. He is going to serve with all his heart and the whole community will be better because of it. Great things are coming for the SFA defense."
Bryan Nardo
Minnesota Senior Defensive Assistant
"SFA could not have hired a better person to lead their defense! Caid is an absolute rockstar in this profession and on top of that he is an even better person. I've been fortunate to know him for a while now and all I have ever seen is him continually impress every year with how hard his kids play, how well they play together towards a common goal and how well he develops year in and year out. Those players are in good hands!"
Mario Price
AFCA Director of Coaching Education
"I am excited to see Caid Faske return to SFA as the defensive coordinator. Caid is an outstanding coach and an even better person who brings energy, authenticity, and leadership into every room he enters. After building a nationally ranked defense at Colorado State Pueblo and continuing to be an elite recruiter across the country, there is no denying the significant impact he has already made in this profession. Stephen F. Austin is getting an incredible father, husband, and coach back in the Lumberjack community. I cannot wait to see the immediate impact he makes on and off the field."
THE FASKE FILE
Hometown: Bushland, Texas
High School: Bushland HS
Education: West Texas A&M; Texas A&M-Commerce
Family: Shylo (wife), Aniston (daughter), Leighton (daughter), Cooper (son)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Present: SFA | Defensive Coordinator
2023-2025: CSU Pueblo | Defensive Coordinator
2019-2022: SFA | Defensive Ends
2015-18: Texas A&M-Commerce | Defensive Line
2015: North Texas | Defensive Assistant
2012-14: West Texas A&M | Defensive Line
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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