SAN ANGELO, Texas – The staff for the 2026 season and beyond has begun to take shape for the Angelo State University football program as Joe Ford has been named the next Defensive Coordinator by Head Coach, Jeff Girsch.

Joe Ford joined the Rams earlier this month following three seasons at Bemidji State, where he served in the same role with the Beavers while also working with the Safeties.

During his time as the leader of the Beavers' defense, Ford produced 17 all-conference selections, including one defensive player of the year, and was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024 when the Beavers ended the regular season ranked 1^st in the conference in six different categories as well as finishing 9^th in NCAA Division II for total defense. The team ranked first in total defense with 240.8 yards allowed per game, points per game allowed at 15.7, yards allowed per play with 4.1, sacks with 33, defensive pass efficiency at 101.8 and defensive touchdowns allowed at 19. Following the 2024 NCAA Division II Playoffs, where they reached the quarterfinal round, the Beavers ranked 17^th in passing yards allowed, 18^th in team passing efficiency defense, 19^th in team sacks, 22^nd in scoring defense and 24^th in rushing defense.

Quote from Coach Girsch
"We're excited to add Coach Ford to the mix. He's a guy I have known for a long time. I admire his work and what he has done. He's been to several different programs and has won in every place he's gone to. His references boasted about how an outstanding teacher and relationship builder he is with the players he's been around. At the end of the day, we're bringing on an outstanding coach and great leader who has had a lot of success."

A native of Brandon, S.D., Ford has coached at FCS level South Dakota, and NCAA DII programs at Southwest Minnesota State, St. Cloud State and Sioux Falls. His time with ASU will be his fifth stop as a defensive coordinator after previous stints in the role at Bemidji State, Sioux Falls, North Carolina-Pembroke, and Minot State.

Ford earned a Bachelor's degree in health from South Dakota State in 2003 and a Master's degree in teaching physical education from St. Cloud State in 2007.