Lee Hays, who served as offensive coordinator for the Baylor Bears, join the Sam Houston State football coaching staff as offensive line coach.
Returning members of the staff will be James Ferguson (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Duane Dirk (defensive line), Jonathon Cooper (wide receivers) and Mike Salinas (special teams). Dirk also will be assuming new responsibilities for football operations under the reorganization of the staff.
Hays served as Baylor’s offensive coordinator from 2006 to 2008. The 2006 Bears’ offense averaged 23.6 points per game, the team’s best mark since 1996.
Previously, he was the architect of West Texas A&M’s high-octane offenses that led the Buffs to the 2005 Lone Star Conference championship, the NCAA Division II playoffs and a 10-2 record.
The 2005 Buffalo offense led NCAA Division II passing offense with 363.8 yards per game, ranked No. 7 nationally in scoring offense (40.3 points per game) and No. 9 in total offense (477.3 yards per game). Hays coached Pat McCoy, a first team All-American and finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award as NCAA Division II's top lineman (offensive or defensive).
Hays also coached at his alma mater, Texas A&M-Kingsville, serving as tight ends and tackles coach in 1997. He went to West Texas A&M as offensive line coach in 1999, then returned to Kingsville as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator before moving back to the offensive side of the ball as the program's offensive line coach from 2001-03. He rejoined West Texas A&M in 2003 as offensive coordinator and line coach.
During his coaching career, Hays has produced five All-Americans, 25 first team All-Conference players, three conference offensive Linemen of the Year, and two NFL Draft picks. His has helped produce five conference championships teams and six NCAA Division II playoff entrants.
Before beginning his coaching career, he served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1987 through 1996, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. He served America as both a staff noncommissioned officer and as a recon marine during his military career.
Hays played defensive end and linebacker at Cisco Junior College for two years, then spent one year at Abilene Christian. He received his bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M-Kingsville in 1996 and his master's degree from West Texas A&M in 2004.
