Years at CU: 3rd Year
Position: Defensive Backs
Alma Mater: Kentucky Christian ('17)
Updated: May 2022
Derek Burnett was hired as the defensive backs coach in March 2020.
Burnett, who was a three-year starter at Kentucky Christian University, served as a volunteer assistant coach at Limestone College in 2017. After taking over the secondary full-time in 2018 and 2019, Coach Burnett's defensive backs combined for 20 interceptions, 40 pass break ups and 60 pass defense.
In 2018, All-American Joshua Simmons finished sixth in the nation with 67 solo tackles. Simmons posted 93 total tackles under Burnett's leadership, earning first-team All-South Atlantic Conference recognition and was a 2018 South Carolina Football Hall of Fame Blanchard-Rogers Award Finalist. Simmons went on to become an NFL undrafted free agent and was picked up by the Chicago Bears as a defensive back where he continues to play.
In addition, Manny Ogletree was also a All-South Atlantic Conference recipient under Coach Burnett's leadership.
Burnett was recruited to play for the KCU Knights by former Limestone head coach Mike Furrey. He was an All-NCCAA selection after not allowing a passing touchdown over a two-year span.
He graduated in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Biblical Studies from Kentucky Christian University.
