CINCINNATI — The Bearcats are hiring Memphis running backs coach Sean Dawkins to take over the same role in Clifton. 247Sports’s Matt Zenitz confirmed that Scott Satterfield is replacing De’Rail Sims with Dawkins.
Sean Dawkins, who coached running backs for the Memphis Tigers the past two seasons, will now take the helm of a UC running game that was fifth in the nation, averaging 217.1 yards per game. Dawkins helped Memphis reach 10 wins this past season, which included a 36-26 win over Iowa State of the Big 12 in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
He should help out in the passing game as Memphis ranked sixth in the NCAA in scoring offense (39.4), 10th in passing offense (306.5), 14th in total offense (458.5) and 17th in team passing efficiency (154.79) and completion percentage (.667).
Rushing-wise, Memphis averaged 152 yards per game. He did coach a premiere rusher in Blake Watson, who toted the loaf for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns and was the first Tiger runner to surpass 1,000 yards since 2019. Watson also had 53 receptions for 480 yards. With the Bearcats, he inherits a room that features Corey Kiner coming off a 1,047-yard season.
Dawkins was also running backs coach at Charlotte for three seasons, as well as his alma mater Troy, Austin Peay, Tennessee-Chattanooga, and Murray State.
His Austin Peay Governors team in 2017 lost to UC in then-coach Luke Fickell’s first game 26-14, but outrushed the Bearcats 224-97.
As a player at Troy, he played for current West Virginia coach Neil Brown and led the Trojans to the first of what would be five straight bowl appearances.
As a coach, he’s led four teams to bowl games at Troy, Charlotte, and Memphis (two).
UC spring football practice begins Monday, March 4. The Red and Black Spring Game is April 13 at a time to be determined.
