To: SAGU Lion Football Players
SAGU Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Greg Ellis as the eighth Head Football Coach in team history. Ellis was most recently the head football coach and athletic director at Texas College. Ellis distinguished himself from multiple candidates by his alignment with SAGU's mission and values and vision for leading the SAGU football program forward.
"During this process, it became evident that the job of Head Football Coach at SAGU has become a desirable position" stated SAGU Director of Athletics, Dr. Jesse Godding. "There were a tremendous number of highly qualified candidates. Coach Ellis separated himself as capable of leading the football program forward in pursuing athletic excellence, spiritual formation, and preparing servant-leaders."
A native of North Carolina, Coach Ellis was a collegiate All-American defensive end at North Carolina University. Coach Ellis enjoyed a successful 12-year NFL career, during which he was named to the Pro Bowl and awarded "NFL Defensive Comeback Player of the Year" in 2007. Coach Ellis' extensive leadership experience stretches far beyond the football field. While playing he found time to found a multimedia company, called Play Now Enterprise, whose mission is to produce content that entertains and enlightens people of all ages. The company's first venture was the movie "Carter High." Mr. Ellis has also created, co-wrote, and directed two stage plays, "Watch Night the Play" and "Juneteenth the Play," both productions covering significant moments in American history.
Coach Ellis has prior experience as a college football coach and athletic director at Texas College. Coach Ellis' theatrical accomplishments and football experience have equipped him to serve as a successful coach for SAGU. Coach Ellis will utilize the coaching styles of three of his former coaches Mack Brown, Mike Zimmer, and Bill Parcells. This combination of coaching styles and his dedication to putting God first will help to curate not only a successful football team but further develop SAGU student-athletes walk with God.
Mr. Ellis is a devoted family man who prioritizes making a positive impact in the life of others. Greg is married to his beautiful high school sweetheart (Tangie Ellis) and they are blessed to have 3 wonderful children (Tyann, Geremiah, and Taliah).
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
