Darren Garrigan, known as Coach "DG," begins his first season at Prairie View A&M University, coaching the secondary and serving as the NFL Liaison. Before this role, he spent a season at Valdosta State University, where he helped the team achieve a 13-1 record and win the Gulf South Conference Championship. Under his leadership, the team led the conference in multiple defensive categories, including scoring defense and passing defense. Several players received individual honors, such as Defensive Player of the Year and All-American recognition.
Previously, Garrigan had a successful stint at Texas Southern University, where in 2022, his secondary led the SWAC with 16 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns. Isaiah Hamilton, under his guidance, became a standout player, earning First Team All-SWAC honors and leading the conference in interception returns for touchdowns. The following year, Garrigan’s secondary ranked first in the conference for passing efficiency defense, and he played a crucial role in bringing in the highest recruiting class in school history.
With over 16 years of coaching experience, Garrigan has developed 33 All-Conference players, seven All-Americans, and helped 29 players reach professional camps. His coaching legacy includes 10 championships, eight conference titles, and two national championships. Currently, Garrigan has eight prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing his ability to produce talent at the highest level of competition.
During his tenure at the University of the Incarnate Word, Garrigan contributed to two Southland Conference Championships and helped lead the team to the FCS Playoffs. In 2021, the team made history by reaching the second round of the playoffs and defeating an FBS opponent. His defensive units ranked among the top in the Southland, particularly in pass defense and team passing efficiency defense.
Before UIW, Garrigan coached at Texas A&M-Commerce, where he helped lead the team to a national championship. His defensive backs contributed to top rankings in interceptions and pass defense, and in 2017, the team led the nation in takeaways. He also participated in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions in the NFL, further expanding his experience. As a player, Garrigan was a two-year starter at West Texas A&M, contributing to back-to-back Lone Star Conference championships and playing professionally in the Arena League.
