Reffett Named Defensive Coordinator

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Troy Reffett, who has spent the past three seasons on Danny Gonzales’ staff as a corners coach, has been promoted to defensive coordinator.

Reffett has extensive experience as a defensive coordinator, including one previous season in 2008 under Rocky Long at New Mexico.  Reffett as also served as a defensive coordinator at North Texas, ULM and UTEP for a total a 14 seasons at the FBS level as a defensive coordinator.

“I’m excited to have Coach Reffett serve as defensive coordinator, because it will give us continuity in the things we have been doing defensively,” said Gonzales.  “He has a tremendous track record of success, and he will be able to continue coaching the scheme that has proven to be successful for us over the past few years.”

Reffett rejoined the Lobos for a second stint with the program as a part of Gonzales’ first staff named in 2020.  Lobo corners have been terrific under his tutelage, and last year marked another solid year despite numerous true freshmen breaking into the rotation.  Redshirt senior Donte Martin was the unquestioned leader of the group despite missing three games, leading all corners in PBUs and tackles.  Martin is poised to break the long-standing Lobo record for pass breakups in a career.

In his first stint with UNM, Reffett coached corners from 2004-08, adding coordinator duties in 2008.  He oversaw a defense that finished in the top 45 nationally in total yards, and 26^th in rushing defense.  That 2008 team also allowed just 22.8 points per game.  He also coached a pair of FWAA Freshmen All-Americans in Blake Ligon and DeAndre Wright.

Reffett also has had successful stints as a coordinator with North Texas as the Mean Green qualified for three bowl games, including the 2018 New Mexico Bowl.  He also has successful runs with ULM, including the second-best NCAA defensive turnaround in terms of yards per game allowed from 2008 to 2009, lowering that total by nearly 100 yards a game.  He also had a 14-year coaching run with UTEP including the final two seasons as defensive coordinator in 2002 and 2003.