Darren Garrigan, known as Coach “DG,” is in his first season at Prairie View A&M University, where he coaches the secondary and serves as the program’s NFL Liaison.
In his first year leading the Panthers’ secondary, Garrigan’s unit emerged as one of the top defensive groups in all of FCS football. Prairie View A&M ranked No. 1 nationally in pass defense, third-down defense, and fewest passing touchdowns allowed, while also finishing No. 2 in pass defense efficiency, No. 2 in fewest passing yards allowed, and No. 3 in scoring defense. The unit ranked top 10 nationally across multiple defensive categories and led the SWAC in 12 statistical categories during conference play. Under his guidance, Eric Zachery and Travor Randle earned All-Conference honors, with Randle also being named an All-American. Garrigan also served as a coach in the Legacy Bowl, further highlighting his reputation for developing elite defensive talent.
Prior to joining PVAMU, Garrigan spent one season at Valdosta State University, helping lead the Blazers to a 13-1 record and a Gulf South Conference Championship. His secondary led the conference in multiple defensive categories, including scoring defense and passing defense, while producing a Defensive Player of the Year and multiple All-Americans.
Garrigan previously coached at Texas Southern University, where his secondary led the SWAC with 16 interceptions in 2022, including four returned for touchdowns. Isaiah Hamilton earned First Team All-SWAC honors and led the conference in interception returns for touchdowns. In 2023, TSU’s secondary ranked first in the SWAC in passing efficiency defense, and Garrigan played a key role in assembling the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history.
With more than 16 years of coaching experience, Garrigan has developed 33 All-Conference players, seven All-Americans, and helped 29 players earn opportunities at professional camps. His coaching career includes 10 championships, eight conference titles, and two national championships, with multiple players progressing toward the NFL, including eight prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Garrigan has also coached at the University of the Incarnate Word, contributing to two Southland Conference Championships and an FCS playoff run that included a historic win over an FBS opponent. Earlier in his career, he coached at Texas A&M-Commerce, helping the Lions win a national championship and lead the nation in takeaways. He has participated in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. As a player, Garrigan was a two-year starter at West Texas A&M, winning back-to-back Lone Star Conference championships and later playing professionally in the Arena Football League.
