Leatherneck Football Adds Two Coaches to Defensive Staff

Head coach Charlie Fisher announces hiring of Tony Grantham and Deion Melvin

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois head football coach Charlie Fisher announced the addition of two veteran coaching staff members with the hiring of defensive coordinator Tony Grantham and inside linebackers coach Deion Melvin.

Grantham worked the previous three seasons at Louisville as the linebackers coach and will coach the Leatherneck secondary. Melvin, a Leatherneck alum and former assistant coach, returns to Macomb after working at Lindenwood for the past six years and will serve as the inside linebackers coach.

Fisher also noted additional staff changes. Jared Elliott has been elevated to co-offensive coordinator along side Doug Malone. Ben Hodges will move to outside linebackers while remaining as the special teams coordinator. Ty Howle will take over as the recruiting coordinator.

"I'm committed to hiring the best individual we can on our coaching staff who fits us, and there's no question we were able to do that. I'm extremely excited to have both of these guys on board," said Fisher. "Deion Melvin, a former player and former coach here, brings a lot to the table. Tony Grantham with his background… it was my desire to switch to a 3-4 defense and Tony has a tremendous background in the 3-4. That was my goal all along when we had a change."

Grantham helped Louisville to a 9-4 record last year, capping the season with an appearance in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. The Cardinals won 26 games during his three years and Grantham coached in a Bowl game in 14 of his 15 seasons at the FBS level.

Last year Louisville's defense ranked 10th nationally in third down conversion defense, 12th in rushing defense, 31st in scoring defense, 14th in total defense and a 'Top 25' ranking in turnovers gained (24th). He coached Keith Kelsey, who became a two-time All-ACC performer at inside linebacker.

"Tony, with his background and some of the places he has been, and his background in the 3-4… you look at the success of Louisville's defense and even deeper to the success Navy had and what they did with the scheme there and the players they have. You have to really be impressed with his contributions at Navy and certainly everyone I've talked to about Tony Grantham is a double thumbs up. This guy is a very talented coach that understands the 3-4," said Fisher.

He worked for 10 years at Navy (2003-06, 2008-13), a year at Campbell as linebackers coach, two years (2001-02) as a graduate assistant at LSU under Nick Saban and got his start at Eastern Illinois as the outside linebackers coach in 2000.

Melvin returns to Hanson Field following a playing career in the Purple & Gold and serving as an assistant coach under Randy Ball from 1993-98.

A 27-year coaching veteran working with linebackers and serving as a defensive coordinator, Melvin worked at Lindenwood (2011-16), Ball State (2009-10), Bowling Green (2007-08), Georgia Southern (2006), and Missouri State (1999-2005) following his time at Western. His coaching career started at East Aurora High School from 1990-92.

"Deion has coached a lot of football and plus he's a Leatherneck. I think anytime a guy comes back home he brings a measure of energy and loyalty that's unmatched because this is home for him. He's demonstrated that throughout the interview process and the little bit that he has been here," said Fisher.

At the college level, Melvin has coached 10 All-American linebackers and two Buck Buchanan award-winning linebackers (James Milton in 1998, Ed Hartwell eventual winner in 2000). He coached 19 all-conference linebackers, 16 academic all-conference linebackers, two players named conference players of the year, and 11 linebackers who were named as a team MVP.

Lindenwood's unit last year ranked eighth nationally in defensive touchdowns scored. Melvin also coached three different linebackers who finished first nationally for total tackles. Two of his players received the Cliff Harris Award, given to the top defensive player in Division II. He coached All-American linebacker Connor Harris who finished his career as the all-time tackles leader across all NCAA Divisions.

Western opens spring ball on Thursday (March 23).

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