Lipscomb Academy Names Former Titan & NFL Hall Of Famer Kevin Mawae As Head Coach

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Kevin Mawae. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Lipscomb Academy has named their new head football coach and it’s a familiar face.

Former Titan and NFL Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae will lead Lipscomb’s football program after Trent Dilfer left the school at the end of last season.

For the past two seasons, Mawae has served as assistant offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts. He will officially begin his work with Lipscomb on Feb. 1.

The Savannah, Georgia native will lead a Mustang football program that is coming off its fifth state championship in December, and will guide the program to its move to TSSAA Div II-AAA competition next season. In addition to varsity head coaching duties, he will oversee all of Lipscomb Academy’s football teams and player development programs at all grade levels.

“Because of Lipscomb Academy’s outstanding reputation and the recognition the football program has built nationally, we had an unbelievable level of experienced candidates quickly emerge who were interested in leading this program,” says Brad Schultz, Lipscomb Academy head of school. “The talent and hard work of our players have elevated our football program, and we anticipate many more successes in the future.”

Mawae finished his professional career with the Tennessee Titans (2006-2009), where he started 61 games and helped the offensive line allow a single-season franchise record 12.0 sacks in 2008. He was selected as the team’s Ed Block Courage Award winner for the 2009 season.

“It is an honor to return to Tennessee and to coach the Lipscomb Academy football team,” says Mawae. “I am excited to get to work and lead these outstanding young men, both on the field and in the community. I have had many coaches pour into my life and shape me into the person I am today, and this is an opportunity to take those lessons and invest in the lives of others through a sport that I love so much. God has led me to this point in my journey and I look forward to how He will work in the lives of our players, coaches and this program as we seek to glorify Him in all that we do.”

Mawae has five years of coaching experience, including two seasons in the NFL. Prior to his work with the Colts, he served as an offensive analyst at Arizona State (2018-20). He started his coaching career in 2016 with the Chicago Bears as an offensive assistant.

“With his background as a successful player at all levels of the game, his passion for investing in the lives of young people and his deep faith, Coach Mawae is a unique fit for Lipscomb Academy and to lead the Mustang football program,” says Dr. Candice McQueen, president of Lipscomb University, of which Lipscomb Academy is a part. “Coach Mawae not only has an enthusiasm and love for pouring into the lives of students through football, he is also committed to serving the community through his philanthropic work, is deeply rooted in his faith and is strongly committed to our mission.”

Over his 16-year NFL career, Mawae appeared in 241 games (238 starts) with the Titans, New York Jets (1998-2005) and Seattle Seahawks (1994-97). He was a seven-time Associated Press All-Pro and was voted to eight Pro Bowls. He was selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

Mawae served as NFL Players Association president from 2008-2012 and helped navigate the players through the 2011 NFL lockout. Collegiately, he appeared in 42 games (40 starts) at Louisiana State University (1989-93) and was a First Team All-SEC selection in 1991 and a Second Team All-SEC selection in 1992 and 1993. He attended Leesville (La.) High School and helped the team win the district championship in 1985, 1986 and 1987.

Mawae is known for his extensive work serving the community, and has been a long-time supporter of the Children’s Cup, which equips local churches to transform communities through child development. He also created the First and Goal Challenge to benefit the Child Life Program and Pediatric Services at Winthrop-University Hospital in New York. Mawae is also actively involved in Pro Athletes Outreach and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Steven Boero
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