Rory Segrest begins his third season as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for Samford. In 2003, Segrest coached Darold Williams when he was named second-team All-Conference. Segrest came to Samford from Southeast Missouri State University, where he held several positions, including defensive line coach, recruiting coordinator, and tackles and tight ends coach, from 1999 to 2001.

He is a 1996 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Crimson Tide's 1992 National Championship team and the winner of the team's 1995 senior coleadership award.

Segrest began his coaching career as a student assistant at Alabama in 1994. He later worked as a graduate assistant in strength and conditioning while still with the Crimson Tide.

Prior to joining the staff at Southeast Missouri State, Segrest also served as the defensive graduate assistant at Auburn from 1997 to 1999. He participated in six collegiate bowl games as a player or coach from 1991 to 1997.

A native of Waycross, Ga., and a graduate of Waycross High School, he earned a B.S. in health-care management from Alabama in 1996. Segrest, 31, is married to the former Jackie Stapchuk of San Angelo, Texas, and they have a son, James (three).