Archie McDaniel returned to The University of New Mexico in January of 2018, and he will coach outside linebackers. McDaniel, who was on Coach Davie’s inaugural staff and stayed at UNM for three seasons, comes back to the Lobos after a three-year stint at SMU under Chad Morris.
With SMU in 2016, the Mustangs’ defense was statistically one of the 10 most-improved in college football. SMU ranked seventh nationally in interceptions per game and forced 26 turnovers in all.
Overall, SMU’s win total improved each season with McDaniel on staff, culminating with the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl berth.
McDaniel in his previous stint with UNM coached outside linebackers in 2014 after coaching the defensive line his first two seasons. At UNM he coached several All-Mountain West student-athletes including honorable mention selections Brett Bowers and Jacori Greer.
McDaniel has also coached for two seasons at Tulsa (defensive tackles in 2011 and tight ends/H-backs in 2010) and one at Texas Southern (linebackers in 2009). He was also a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Texas A&M and he began his coaching career in 2007 coaching linebackers at Trinity Valley Community College.
He played linebacker at Texas A&M, where he was a three-year starter and team captain his senior season. McDaniel totaled 213 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions as a starter from 2003-05. He earned his degree from A&M in agricultural development in 2005. McDaniel is married to the former LaTrenia Byrd of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and has one son, Christian.