LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Football program announced the hiring of Tanner Luker as the program's Defensive Coordinator on Tuesday.
Luker joins the Tigers' staff after former Defensive Coordinator Steve Sisa stepped down from the position in December. Luker makes his way to Livingston after serving on UL Monroe's Coaching Staff the past two seasons.
"We're excited about the hiring of Tanner Luker," said head coach Scott Cochran. "Tanner's energy, knowledge, and experience as a Football Coach is going to be a great asset to this program."
Luker, a graduate from UAB, began his football coaching journey with the Blazers in 2018, serving as the team's offensive and defensive assistant all while getting his Bachelor's Degree. Luker obtained his degree in 2019 and proceeded to accept a Graduate Assistant position with Tennessee.
As a Defensive Graduate Assistant at Tennessee, Luker helped the Vols' defense hold their opponents to 21.6 points per game in 2019. After a successful stint with Tennessee, Luker returned to UAB in 2021, taking over the Defensive Analyst position for the Blazers. With Luker on staff in a full-time role, UAB put together one of their best seasons in school history, recording a 9-4 overall record. The Blazers' defense held opponents to 23.3 points per game in that season, leading the C-USA in that category. In 2023, UAB's defense was just as good, leading the Conference USA in points allowed for the second consecutive year with a 23.2 mark.
In 2023, Luker continued to the climb the coaching ranks as he was announced as Morehead State's Defensive Line coach. Under Luker's tutelage, Morehead State recorded 21 sacks on the year.
Luker's stint with MSU lasted for one season as the young Football Coach accepted the Senior Defensive Analyst position at UL Monroe in 2024. A promotion to Safeties Coach awaited Luker in 2025 and now the Birmingham native registers his first Coordinator job, becoming West Alabama's Defensive Coordinator.
Luker is set to arrive on campus in the coming weeks.
