Gary Salgado Joins Lumberjack Football Staff as Defensive Line Coach
2/10/2026 1:40:00 PM | Football
Former Angelo State DC brings two decades of experience to program
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin head football coach Colby Carthel has officially announced the addition of Gary Salgado to the Lumberjack football staff for the upcoming 2026 season. Salgado comes to Nacogdoches after serving as the defensive coordinator at Angelo State and will direct the Lumberjack defensive line.
Known for building championship-caliber defenses and developing elite talent at every level, Salgado brings more than 20 years of collegiate and junior college coaching experience to SFA. He has consistently produced top-ranked units and award-winning players throughout his career.
He most recently served as Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach at Angelo State University (2023–25), where he directed one of the top defensive units in NCAA Division II during the 2024 season. Under his leadership, the Rams finished 9–3, captured the Lone Star Conference Championship, reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs, and closed the year ranked No. 24 nationally. His defense finished among the national leaders in scoring defense (13.1 points per game, 6th), total defense (264.1 yards per game, 14th), opponent passing efficiency (98.84, 9th), and third-down defense (.281, 5th).
Angelo State also produced multiple major conference award winners, including Defensive Lineman of the Year Owen Seaver (All American), Linebacker of the Year Eric Rascoe, and Defensive Back of the Year Andrew Pitts, along with six first-team All-Conference honorees. Also, Xavier Walton was Defensive Back of the Year and a First Team All American this past season.
Before returning to Angelo State, Salgado spent three seasons at Hutchinson Community College (2020–23) as Defensive Coordinator, Associate Head Coach, and Defensive Line Coach. During one of the most dominant eras in program history, Hutchinson posted a 38–5 record, captured three straight KJCCC Championships, appeared in two NJCAA National Championship games, and won the 2020–21 NJCAA National Championship. His 2023 defense led the nation in scoring defense (11.7 ppg), and he coached NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year and national sack leader Daniel Brown (18 sacks). He also mentored coaching Nadame Tucker at Hutchinson Community College in one season had 12 sacks, who later became a national sack leader at the FBS level.
Salgado previously served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Missouri Western State University (2018–20), helping guide the Griffons to consecutive Agent Barry Live United Bowl victories. His defenses ranked near the top of the MIAA in rushing defense, takeaways, and sacks, producing multiple All-MIAA standouts.
From 2011–18, Salgado established himself as a cornerstone of Angelo State's defensive success as Defensive Line Coach and Director of Football Operations. His defensive lines routinely accounted for the majority of the team's sacks and tackles for loss. He developed numerous All-Conference and All-Region players, including Gene Upshaw Award winner Markus Jones and two-time Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year Clayton Callicutt, the program's career sack leader.
Earlier in his career, Salgado coached linebackers at Eastern New Mexico University, served as a graduate assistant at the University of Wyoming, and began his coaching career at Fullerton College, where he helped lead the Hornets to a Mission Conference Championship and postseason success.
A native of Garden Grove, California, Salgado played collegiately at Fullerton College and West Virginia Tech before earning his bachelor's degree in physical education from Chapman University and a master's degree in sports administration from Eastern New Mexico University.
Salgado is married to his wife Justine and the proud father to twins, Georgia and Maverick. He is the son of Blanca and Gilbert Salgado, and has one brother, Gilbert.
Known for building championship-caliber defenses and developing elite talent at every level, Salgado brings more than 20 years of collegiate and junior college coaching experience to SFA. He has consistently produced top-ranked units and award-winning players throughout his career.
He most recently served as Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach at Angelo State University (2023–25), where he directed one of the top defensive units in NCAA Division II during the 2024 season. Under his leadership, the Rams finished 9–3, captured the Lone Star Conference Championship, reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs, and closed the year ranked No. 24 nationally. His defense finished among the national leaders in scoring defense (13.1 points per game, 6th), total defense (264.1 yards per game, 14th), opponent passing efficiency (98.84, 9th), and third-down defense (.281, 5th).
Angelo State also produced multiple major conference award winners, including Defensive Lineman of the Year Owen Seaver (All American), Linebacker of the Year Eric Rascoe, and Defensive Back of the Year Andrew Pitts, along with six first-team All-Conference honorees. Also, Xavier Walton was Defensive Back of the Year and a First Team All American this past season.
Before returning to Angelo State, Salgado spent three seasons at Hutchinson Community College (2020–23) as Defensive Coordinator, Associate Head Coach, and Defensive Line Coach. During one of the most dominant eras in program history, Hutchinson posted a 38–5 record, captured three straight KJCCC Championships, appeared in two NJCAA National Championship games, and won the 2020–21 NJCAA National Championship. His 2023 defense led the nation in scoring defense (11.7 ppg), and he coached NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year and national sack leader Daniel Brown (18 sacks). He also mentored coaching Nadame Tucker at Hutchinson Community College in one season had 12 sacks, who later became a national sack leader at the FBS level.
Salgado previously served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Missouri Western State University (2018–20), helping guide the Griffons to consecutive Agent Barry Live United Bowl victories. His defenses ranked near the top of the MIAA in rushing defense, takeaways, and sacks, producing multiple All-MIAA standouts.
From 2011–18, Salgado established himself as a cornerstone of Angelo State's defensive success as Defensive Line Coach and Director of Football Operations. His defensive lines routinely accounted for the majority of the team's sacks and tackles for loss. He developed numerous All-Conference and All-Region players, including Gene Upshaw Award winner Markus Jones and two-time Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year Clayton Callicutt, the program's career sack leader.
Earlier in his career, Salgado coached linebackers at Eastern New Mexico University, served as a graduate assistant at the University of Wyoming, and began his coaching career at Fullerton College, where he helped lead the Hornets to a Mission Conference Championship and postseason success.
A native of Garden Grove, California, Salgado played collegiately at Fullerton College and West Virginia Tech before earning his bachelor's degree in physical education from Chapman University and a master's degree in sports administration from Eastern New Mexico University.
Salgado is married to his wife Justine and the proud father to twins, Georgia and Maverick. He is the son of Blanca and Gilbert Salgado, and has one brother, Gilbert.
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