Entering his third season with the Keydets, Darien remains on the defensive side of the ball, but will coach linebackers this year. In 2024, Darien helped coach Second Team All-SoCon safety Shamus Jones, who set career highs in tackles (98.0, 5th SoCon), interceptions (2), forced fumbles (2), passes defended (5) and blocked a field goal.Â
After serving as a volunteer assistant in 2023, Darien will was hireed full time as the Assistant Secondary Coach in 2024. Alongside Coach Brown, Darien focused on working with the safeties – a group which featured All-SoCon performerÂ
Evan Eller (graduated) in 2023.
Darien originially joined Coach Rocco's staff in July of 2023. Following the 2023 season in which he worked primarily with the safeties, Darien was elevated to Assistant Secondary Coach.Â
Graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in African Studies in 2021, Darien saw consistent action on special teams and defense in his three years for the Blue Hens. During Delaware's run to the Spring 2021 FCS National Semifinal, Darien collected 15 tackles and appeared in all eight games. In the fall, Darien started five of 11 games played, totaling 34.0 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and a sack.
Prior to his time at Delaware, Darien was a linebacker at Penn State. A Baltimore, Maryland native, Darien helped Dunbar High School make a state championship appearance as a junior, registering 50 catches and 700 yards as a senior. Throughout his collegiate career, Darien served as a football camp coach and counselour, volunteering with programs such as the Special Olympics, Penn State Children's Hospital and THON - the largest student-run philanthropic event in the world to benefit families impacted by childhood cancer.Â
VMI Coaching History
2025: Linebackers
2024: Assistant Secondaries/Safeties
2023: Volunteer Defensive Assistant
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