Zach Lankford has been named the new offensive line coach and run game coordinator of the Georgia Southern football team by head coach Clay Helton. Lankford comes to Statesboro after five seasons at Western Kentucky, the final two as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line for a high-powered Hilltopper offense.
"My family and I are excited to be joining the Eagle family and the Statesboro community," Lankford said. "Georgia Southern is a storied program that I have always admired, and I am fired up to be a part of it. I want to thank Coach Clay Helton for giving me the opportunity to work alongside these fine players and coaches. I cannot wait to get started, Hail Southern!"
Lankford returned to WKU in February 2019 for his second stint with the Hilltoppers, this time as the tight ends coach. He moved to an offensive quality control coach in 2021 before being elevated in 2022 to the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. In his first year as offensive line coach, Lankford mentored a unit that finished the year 14th in the country in sacks allowed with just 14. That number was also second-best in Conference USA. Tackle Gunner Britton finished the year as an All-Conference USA Second-Team performer, and three more offensive linemen were named honorable mention by the league. Tight end Joshua Simon followed up an impressive freshman campaign with another productive season, ranking third on the Hilltoppers with 33 receptions for 370 yards, while his three scores stood second. Under Lankford's tutelage, Simon pushed his career marks to 63 catches for 800 yards and seven touchdowns in his first two years on The Hill.
"We are excited to welcome Zach Lankford to Statesboro," Helton said. "Zach has been a part of one of the most explosive offenses in college football the past five seasons. As co-offensive coordinator at WKU he was in charge of leading an offensive line that was one of the best in the country at protecting the quarterback. We look forward to him continuing to progress our offensive line's development to an elite level."
In 2023, receiver Malachi Corley was named to CUSA's All-Conference First Team after his outstanding year. Corley racked up 984 yards receiving on 79 receptions and a conference-leading 11 touchdown grabs. Those 79 catches helped him break the WKU program record for career receptions, with his total standing at 259. He also ranks second in WKU history with 29 touchdown receptions and third in receiving yards with 3,033. Senior quarterback Austin Reed (3,340 yards, 31 TDs) and junior offensive lineman Vincent Murphy were given C-USA All-Conference honorable mention honors after helping lead an offense that averaged over 400 yards per game.
In his first season on The Hill as a full-time coach, Lankford helped develop a tight end group that, in the past, has been the focal point of the WKU offense. In his true freshman campaign, Simon recorded 30 receptions for 430 yards and four touchdowns, which helped him be named to the Midseason FWAA Freshman All-America Watch List and Conference USA All-Freshman Team. During the 2019 bowl season, Simon was the only tight end in the nation with a 100-yard receiving game, as the true freshman had 106 yards vs. Western Michigan in the First Responder Bowl. In addition, Kyle Fourtenbary was named to the 2019 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List and then Honorable Mention John Mackey Tight End of the Week after grabbing five catches for 74 yards at FIU.
Lankford spent three seasons at WKU from 2014-16. His time coincided with three consecutive bowl victories and two consecutive Conference USA championships. In his first stint, Lankford assisted with the offensive line and helped to develop one of the program's all-time greatest offensive line groups in 2015 and 2016. Those two units were also roundly considered some of the nation's best, with starters Forrest Lamp, Brandon Ray, Max Halpin, and Darrell Williams leading the charge.
Lankford then spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons as the program's offensive line coach at Faulkner University. Before coming to WKU, Lankford served as the Associate Director of Recruiting and Player Development at UAB, managing the program's on-campus recruiting efforts and high school relations. Lankford was also a stand-out tight end for the Blazers, completing his playing career in 2009.
Lankford entered the coaching profession at Reinhardt University (NAIA), where he was an offensive intern and tight ends coach. Following a season there, he moved on to Georgia Military College (NJCAA) as the offensive line and tight ends coach.
Lankford earned his bachelor's degree in history at UAB in 2010 after a four-year playing career for the Blazers. As a player, Lankford appeared in 39 games overall after a high school career that included a Georgia Class 7-AAAAA championship in 2004.
He is married to the former Anna Crabb, and the couple has one son, Jack, and one daughter, Vada.
Lankford replaces TJ Woods, who was announced as BYU's new offensive line coach earlier this week.
The hiring is pending a final successful background check.
