Army West Point Athletics
Daryl Dixon Promoted to Defensive Coordinator; Sloan Named Co-Defensive Coordinator
January 15, 2026 | Football
West Point, N.Y. — Army West Point Football Head Coach Jeff Monken has announced the promotion of Daryl Dixon to defensive coordinator. Dixon has coached the cornerbacks since 2019 and has also served as the defensive pass game coordinator since 2023.
In a corresponding move, Scot Sloan has been elevated to co-defensive coordinator. Sloan rejoined the staff in January as the safeties coach after previously serving on Monken's staff for the 2022 season.
Dixon will enter his 11th season on Monken's staff in 2026 after joining the Black Knights as outside linebackers coach in 2016.
"Daryl has earned and worked for this opportunity," said Monken. "He knows what it means to coach at West Point, understands our culture, and has earned the respect and trust of our players. Daryl possesses an NFL pedigree and has proven results leading and developing players in our secondary. I am excited to see him lead our defense and continue to build on the standard of toughness and discipline we expect in our program."
This past season, Army's pass defense allowed just 190.4 yards per game, the 27th fewest in the nation. Dixon's secondary logged eight interceptions, highlighted by a 73-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jaydan Mayes against UTSA.
In 2024, Dixon's sophomore cornerback tandem of Donavon Platt and Mayes combined to start 27 of 28 possible games for a defense that finished No. 1 in the country in red zone defense and fourth nationally in points allowed per game (15.5). Mayes tied for the team lead with four interceptions as the defense totaled 18 interceptions — the sixth most in the country and Army's highest single-season total since 1988.
Dixon's unit also limited opponents to 185.9 passing yards per game, the 25th fewest nationally and fourth fewest in the American Conference. The defense led the conference in fewest total yards allowed per game (297.9) and was the only American team to allow fewer than 300 yards per contest.
"West Point has been home for my family and me for more than 10 seasons," said Dixon. "Coach Monken gave me an opportunity back in 2016, and I am forever grateful for the trust he has placed in me and for empowering me along the way. I am humbled to step into this role and eager to lead our defense while continuing the standard of playing tough, physical, fundamentally sound football."
Among Dixon's notable protégés is Elijah Riley, a 2019 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist. Riley signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles after recording 79 tackles and three interceptions as a senior and played in the NFL from 2020 to 2024 with the Eagles, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants.
Dixon came to West Point after seven seasons (2009–15) as an assistant coach at Ball State, where he coached outside linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties during his tenure with the Cardinals.
A 2003 graduate of the University of Florida, Dixon starred as a defensive back for the Gators, playing in 49 games with 25 starts and serving as a team captain as a senior. He earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2003 and appeared in four bowl games during his career. Following graduation, Dixon spent two seasons (2004–05) with the Indianapolis Colts, including a stint in NFL Europe.
Dixon and his wife, Katie Daily, live at West Point with their son, Jack, and daughter, Avery.
In a corresponding move, Scot Sloan has been elevated to co-defensive coordinator. Sloan rejoined the staff in January as the safeties coach after previously serving on Monken's staff for the 2022 season.
Dixon will enter his 11th season on Monken's staff in 2026 after joining the Black Knights as outside linebackers coach in 2016.
"Daryl has earned and worked for this opportunity," said Monken. "He knows what it means to coach at West Point, understands our culture, and has earned the respect and trust of our players. Daryl possesses an NFL pedigree and has proven results leading and developing players in our secondary. I am excited to see him lead our defense and continue to build on the standard of toughness and discipline we expect in our program."
This past season, Army's pass defense allowed just 190.4 yards per game, the 27th fewest in the nation. Dixon's secondary logged eight interceptions, highlighted by a 73-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jaydan Mayes against UTSA.
In 2024, Dixon's sophomore cornerback tandem of Donavon Platt and Mayes combined to start 27 of 28 possible games for a defense that finished No. 1 in the country in red zone defense and fourth nationally in points allowed per game (15.5). Mayes tied for the team lead with four interceptions as the defense totaled 18 interceptions — the sixth most in the country and Army's highest single-season total since 1988.
Dixon's unit also limited opponents to 185.9 passing yards per game, the 25th fewest nationally and fourth fewest in the American Conference. The defense led the conference in fewest total yards allowed per game (297.9) and was the only American team to allow fewer than 300 yards per contest.
"West Point has been home for my family and me for more than 10 seasons," said Dixon. "Coach Monken gave me an opportunity back in 2016, and I am forever grateful for the trust he has placed in me and for empowering me along the way. I am humbled to step into this role and eager to lead our defense while continuing the standard of playing tough, physical, fundamentally sound football."
Among Dixon's notable protégés is Elijah Riley, a 2019 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist. Riley signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles after recording 79 tackles and three interceptions as a senior and played in the NFL from 2020 to 2024 with the Eagles, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants.
Dixon came to West Point after seven seasons (2009–15) as an assistant coach at Ball State, where he coached outside linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties during his tenure with the Cardinals.
A 2003 graduate of the University of Florida, Dixon starred as a defensive back for the Gators, playing in 49 games with 25 starts and serving as a team captain as a senior. He earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2003 and appeared in four bowl games during his career. Following graduation, Dixon spent two seasons (2004–05) with the Indianapolis Colts, including a stint in NFL Europe.
Dixon and his wife, Katie Daily, live at West Point with their son, Jack, and daughter, Avery.
Players Mentioned
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