A coaching veteran with more than 30 years of experience under his belt, Deion Melvin returned to Western Illinois in 2017 following a playing career and coaching stint in the Purple and Gold. He currently coaches Western’s defensive run game and inside linebackers.
Melvin previously worked at Lindenwood (2011-16), Ball State (2009-10), Bowling Green (2007-08), Georgia Southern (2006), and Missouri State (1999-2005) following a stint at Western, and his coaching career began at East Aurora High School in 1990.Â
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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 also coached 19 all-conference linebackers, 16 academic all-conference linebackers, two conference players of the year, and 11 linebackers who were named team MVP.
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At Lindenwood, he helped the 2016 unit to a No. 8 ranking in the nation in defensive touchdowns scored. Melvin also coached three different linebackers who finished first nationally for total tackles, while two of his players received the Cliff Harris Award, given to the top defensive player in Division II. He also coached All-American linebacker Connor Harris who finished his career as the all-time tackles leader across all NCAA Divisions.
Melvin was an All-American and all-league honoree at linebacker during his college career at the College of Dupage, and graduated from Western Illinois with a bachelor of science degree in community health in 1994.
Melvin and his wife Beverly have two daughters: Lywanna and Sherese.
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