Darren Drago enters his first season as Southern's defensive line coach. He comes to the bluff after serving as the Linebackers Coach and Defensive Line Coach at UTSA. Before he arrived at UTSA he was the defensive coordinator at University of Arkansas Monticello and linebackers coach at Henderson State University.
While at HSU, Darren instructed multiple linebackers that went on to earn numerous accolades including Pre-Season All-American, All-Super Region 3, All-GAC First Team, and All-GAC Second Team as well.
Drago spent two years at Louisiana College prior to Henderson State, where he served as the programs outside linebackers coach. He also made a return to Northwestern State for two years prior to Louisiana College where he was the linebackers coach, recruiting coordinator, and head of high school relations for the football program.
Prior to his second stint with Northwestern State, Drago found himself as working as the defensive assistant to the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Louisiana State University, where he aided the program in a 2008 Chick-fil-a Bowl victory. Before going to LSU he was recruiting coordinator & Defensive line coach in 2006 and the Defensive coordinator in 2007 at Stephen F. Austin.
During his time at Northwestern State University as an assistant coach, Drago served all at one point, as the programs defensive line coach, running backs/tight ends coach, recruiting coordinator, team travel coordinator, and liaison to the heads of the school's academic departments.
Darren lettered in all four years at the fullback position while attending Northwestern State, while finding success as a member of such NSU teams that advanced to the Division l-AA semifinals two years in a row from 1997-1998. Drago also earned Southland Conference All-Academic honors in 1997 as well.
Drago completed his bachelors of science degree from Northwestern State University and earned his master's degree from NSU in sports administration as well. He is also a member of the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association).
