Arkansas State makes changes to defensive staff

JONESBORO – Arkansas State head football coach Blake Anderson announced Friday that defensive coordinator David Duggan and defensive pass game coordinator Ed Pinkham have been relieved of their coaching duties with the Red Wolves.

Duggan and Pinkham were both in their second season at Arkansas State after joining the Red Wolves' staff in 2019.

“These kind of decisions are never easy when there are relationships, lives and families impacted,” said Anderson. “David Duggan is a close friend of mine, and I have a lot of respect for Ed Pinkham – they are both great coaches, and their backgrounds and histories speak to that.

“However, I am responsible for putting a staff together and trying to create the best environment to maximize our players' abilities. This was my decision, and as I discussed with our Vice Chancellor (for Intercollegiate Athletics) Terry Mohajir, I believe a change is necessary for us to move forward, turn a corner defensively and get the results we want.

“I also want to add that I would not have made it through last year – the toughest personal time in my life – without David Duggan. I would not be where I am now without him. This is the hardest part of our profession, but this is a time when I have to put personal feelings aside and do what is best for our program. I wish Dave and Ed both the best as they move forward as well.”

Per Anderson, assistant coach Nick Paremski has been elevated to interim defensive coordinator for the remainder of the 2020 season. There will be additional restructuring throughout the staff to fill the various roles and responsibilities previously held by Duggan and Pinkham, but those discussions are ongoing.

Paremski is currently in his third season as an assistant coach at Arkansas State. He joined the staff in 2018 as outside linebackers coach before taking over the safeties position and co-special teams coordinator roles in 2019.

In addition to enjoying success working in an advisory role and as an assistant coach during two different seasons with former Arkansas State defensive coordinator Joe Cauthen, including 2016 when the Red Wolves ranked 19th in the nation in scoring defense, Paremski has previous experience as a defensive coordinator at West Texas A&M from 2013-15.

Arkansas State outlasted Georgia State 59-52 Thursday night in a game that saw both schools combine for 15 touchdowns.

The Red Wolves had eight passing touchdowns and 609 yards in the win.