HANOVER, Ind. — Hanover College head football coach Matt Theobald has announced the addition of Jamey Deckard to the Panther coaching staff as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.
 
Deckard returns to Hanover after beginning his coaching career at Lawrence University, where he gained valuable coaching experience.
 
A 2023 graduate of Hanover, Deckard was a standout student-athlete for the Panthers. During his playing career, he earned All-Conference honors three times and was selected as a team captain for three seasons. He tallied 215 total tackles, including 133 solo stops. Deckard had 31.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks with 11 pass breakups.
 
"I am super excited to have Jamey back with our football program," added head coach Matt Theobald. "When he was here as a player for us, he was always an extension of the coaching staff on the field and in the locker room.  Jamey was instrumental in helping build the culture of our football program over this time here as a player and we are happy to have that passion and energy back.  He was a constant leader in the weight room, on the field, in the classroom and in the meeting rooms.  Jamey works hard in everything he does, and I have seen him grow as a person, player and now a football coach.   He has done a great job of learning the recruiting piece of being a college football coach and Jamey exemplifies the striped standard culture we have here at Hanover.  He will be a great addition to our coaching staff and is a natural fit as our linebacker coach and special teams coordinator  I cannot wait to see him get after it on the football field sharing his passion for the game with our players." 
 
Deckard expressed enthusiasm about returning to his alma mater.
 
"To say I am excited for this opportunity would be a gross understatement. From the moment I first put on a jersey, I knew this program and school were something special. There is a shared commitment to the mission of Hanover football, from top to bottom, and I am truly blessed to be back in such an extraordinary place," praised Jamey Deckard. "I had the privilege of playing under some incredible coaches here at Hanover, and they gave me an unforgettable, life-changing experience. My goal is to provide the current and future Panthers with the same experience and help win a lot of football games along the way."
 
Deckard officially joins the staff ahead of the upcoming season.
 
For more information on Hanover football, visit athletics.hanover.edu.