Several reports, first from Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel, state that Liberty safeties coach Corey Batoon will be named the new defensive coordinator at South Alabama under first year head coach Kane Wommack.

Batoon joined the Liberty defensive staff prior to the start of the 2020 season under second year Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Scott Symons. Batoon replaced Kyle Pope who was Liberty’s linebacker coach during the 2019 season before leaving to join Memphis’ staff as defensive line coach.

Batoon played a vital role in a Liberty defense that was much improved in 2020. He helped the team improve to current rankings of No. 8 in the country in total defense and No. 19 in scoring defense. The Flames also ranked No. 10 nationally in passing yards allowed per game.

Prior to joining Liberty, Batoon spent two seasons as Hawaii’s defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Prior to his time at Hawaii, he spent the 2017 season at Florida Atlantic under head coach Lane Kiffin as co-defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator while coaching the safeties.

Batoon spent the 2012-2016 seasons under Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss, from 2012-2015 as Assistant AD for Recruiting Operations and as a defensive assistant. In 2015-16, Batoon was safeties coach and special teams coordinator. Prior to his time at Ole Miss, Batoon was at Arkansas State for three seasons where he coached cornerbacks, safeties and special teams. Freeze was the offensive coordinator in 2010 at Arkansas State and head coach at 2011.

Prior to Batoon’s time at Arkansas State, he was an assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Northern Arizona for 11 seasons. He also served as special teams coordinator during his tenure with the Lumberjacks. Batoon’s coach experience also includes Montana, Central Missouri State, Saint Mary’s, and Pierce Junior College.

*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics