WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Southwestern Assemblies of God 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," said Dr. Jesse Godding, Southwestern Assemblies of God athletic director. "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.

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.

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).

Southwestern Assemblies of God had gone 18-21 over the past four years under Ryan Smith. The Lions posted a 9-3 campaign with a win in the National Christian College Athletic Association's Victory Bowl in 2021.