Photos from Army football practice on Friday, Aug. 5, 2011.
A former standout defensive back for the Black Knights, Tony Coaxum returned to his alma mater as part of former head coach Stan Brock's initial coaching staff in 2007. He was retained when head coach Rich Ellerson took over during the winter of 2008 and directs Army's cornerbacks.
Coaxum played a key role in mentoring the Army defensive backfield that helped the Black Knights to a No. 3 national ranking against the pass in 2009.
The 2000 West Point graduate worked with the Black Knights' linebackers the previous two years after beginning his coaching career at the high school level following his retirement from the U.S. Army in 2003.
In additon to his work with the Black Knights, Coaxum participated in the NFL Minority Internship program with the New York Giants in 2008.
Coaxum earned three varsity letters at West Point, holding down a starting position at cornerback during each of his final two years. He finished his career with 99 tackles, including three for loss, 13 pass deflections, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He was commissioned in the Field Artillery branch of the U.S. Army in 2000.
Following a brief stint as an athletic intern at the USMA Prep School, Coaxum headed to Ft. Bragg, N.C., for his first military assignment. While at Ft. Bragg, he worked as a fire direction officer, battery executive officer and battalion liaison officer. He remained at the installation from 2001 through 2004.
While at Ft. Bragg, he began his coaching career as defensive secondary coach for 71st High School in Fayetteville, N.C., serving in that capacity for the 2003 season. After departing the U.S. Army, Coaxum landed a position as co-defensive coordinator at Henry County High in McDonough, Ga., holding that position for two years (2005-06).
Coaxum and his wife, Derrian, reside at West Point with their son, Dura'n.
