Football | 1/30/2017 2:36:00 PM
Monday, January 30, 2017
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University Football Coach
Kelley Lee is proud to announce the hiring of
Ivan Cordova as the team's new defensive coordinator. Cordova is no stranger to football in the State of Enchantment, as he assisted with the defensive line at University of New Mexico for the last two seasons after a five-year stint at NM Highlands as the defensive coordinator/linebacker and defensive backs coach.
Having coached at both the NCAA Division I and II levels, Cordova brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Greyhound staff. He has experienced a great deal of success over the years with game-planning, play-calling and recruiting.
"Ivan produced some truly devastating defenses during his tenure at NMHU," Lee said. "He has been part of a monumental defensive improvement at the University of New Mexico, and we are thrilled to have him. Under his direction I foresee our defense to continue be one of the most formidable in our conference"
Over the last two seasons, he helped assemble the weekly game plan for the Lobos, in addition to scripting segments of practice and creating film cutups. Cordova's performance helped UNM earn its first bowl invite since the 2007 season. The Lobos defeated University of Texas San Antonio, 23-20, and registered a key interception in the second half.
Upon Cordova's arrival in 2015, the Lobos showed an improvement in total defense and scoring defense. In 2016, UNM was fifth in the Mountain West in total defense, and was third against the run both seasons. Garrett Hughes ranked sixth in the league in sacks, while the Lobos had three players in the top 20. Nik D'Avanzo finished second among defensive lineman in the MWC in tackles per game. At the end of the 2016, both Hughes and D'Avanzo garnered All-MWC status for their efforts.
While at New Mexico Highlands, Cordova did everything from creating the defensive playbook to calling the defense on game day. Despite playing a tough schedule which included perennial NCAA Division II powerhouses Colorado State-Pueblo and Chadron State, his defenses always ranked among the best. In 2011, the Cowboys led the country in tackles for a loss and were third in sacks. The unit also was third in passing efficiency defense. For the season, NMHU featured three defensive All-Americans under Cordova: Jordan Campbell (LB), Devin Howard (DL) and Cordelle Nugent (DL).
In 2012, NMHU posted a 9-2 record and was ninth in the nation in both tackles for a loss and sacks. The Cowboy defense finished among the nation's leaders with 32 takeaways, which included 19 interceptions. The defense finished with three All-Americans and six All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference players.
One of the top performers for Cordova at NMHU was All-American linebacker Jared Koster. In 2014, Koster led the nation in tackles and set a NCAA record for solo tackles in a season. He was one of four players to earn All-RMAC status that season.
Prior to Highlands, Cordova served a graduate assistant defensive line coach at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He also was a defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Vista Del Lago High School, in Moreno Valley, Calif.
Cordova graduated from Cal State-San Bernardino in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in history which specialized in teaching. He also pursued Masters' Degrees at UNLV and UNM (sports administration).
