CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. —Josh Dean, former head football coach at Kentucky State University, has accepted a position at Campbellsville University, Perry Thomas announced.

Dean, who has seven years of coaching experience at the college level, also played linebacker in the NFL from 2005-2006 where he was a free agent signee for the Chicago Bears under head coach Lovie Smith.

After his most recent stint at Kentucky State, Dean will now be the Tigers' defensive line coach.

"It is a blessing for us to add Josh Dean to our staff," said Thomas. "It's very rare that you can get a man of high character and have the high quality of experience that coach Dean has. His experience as a player at the highest level and also being a former Division II head coach will be of great benefit to us on and off the field."

Dean led the Thoroughbreds to a 11-19 record in his three seasons as head coach. In 2015, Kentucky State had four players named to the All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Team. The Thoroughbreds ranked No. 1 in DII in blocked punts, No. 3 in blocked field goals and No. 5 in total defense.

Also, in two of the three seasons, Kentucky State won the Circle City Classic played in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

"I am definitely thankful for Coach Thomas for the opportunity to be a part of a championship program," said Dean. "I hope that my experience, energy, and work ethic will help add to the chemistry of the staff and success of the program in whole. I am excited to meet the players and the rest of the community in Campbellsville."

Before his tenure as head football coach, Dean was the interim baseball coach for Kentucky State starting in April 2012 and finished the season for the Thoroughbreds. Also during this time, Dean was the defensive line coach for the 2012 season.

Prior to Kentucky State, Dean was the safeties coach at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Ga. for three seasons. During that time, he helped mold First-Team All-SIAC safety Ricky Johnson and recruited heavily in Texas, California, Arizona and Mississippi.

Dean played collegiately at San Diego State University where he was a defensive back from 2000-2004. After his time at SDSU, Dean went on to play professionally for the Bears during the 2005-2006 season. After his time with the Bears, Dean continued his professional experience with the CFL Cologne Centurions during the 2006 season.

Dean graduated from Fort Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He later went on to earn his Masters of Sports Science degree in Sports Management at the United State Sports Academy. 

Dean is replacing former defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Vincent Davis who left the program to accept a position at Webber International University in Babson Park, Fla.

Campbellsville opens the 2016 season on the road at University of the Cumberlands Thursday, Aug. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET in Williamsburg, Ky.