BUENA VISTA, VA. — Southern Virginia University Athletics Director Deidra Dryden today named Joe DuPaix as the Knights next head football coach. DuPaix previously led Southern Virginia's football program from 2016–17 before joining the coaching staff at the United States Naval Academy—an NCAA Division I FBS program.
"We are thrilled that Coach DuPaix is returning to lead our football program," said Dryden. "During his previous two years at the helm, we witnessed his excellent work firsthand. He had tremendous recruiting success while building a solid foundation for the future. Now we're excited for him to pick up where he left off and continue that positive momentum."
"We had several tremendously successful and experienced candidates for this opening, but ultimately felt that Coach DuPaix gives us the best chance to hit the ground running as we work to build a successful football program here at Southern Virginia," added Dryden.
"I couldn't be more excited about returning to Southern Virginia University," said DuPaix. "My family and I built incredible relationships with so many people in Knight Nation. We love this university and community, and we are so excited to be part of its continued success."
During his eight seasons with Navy—three before his time at Southern Virginia and five since—DuPaix helped coach the Midshipmen to tremendous offensive success. In 2021, Navy boasted the country's ninth-best rushing offense with 225.5 yards per game. In 2019, DuPaix contributed one of Navy's most successful seasons, during which the Midshipmen finished 20th in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls while tallying 11 wins (tying the program's all-time single-season win total). That year, Navy ranked second in the country for yards per catch (22.5) and seventh in passing efficiency (176.92).
"Coach DuPaix was excellent for us before returning to Navy in 2018. Now he's returning after five more years at the highest level of collegiate football, including Navy's widely successful 2019—arguably the best in their program's history," explained Dryden. "We're excited to see how this additional experience will contribute to Joe's success at Southern Virginia University."
"I believe in the mission of Southern Virginia University!" DuPaix said. "Being in a place where we can develop men of character utilizing Christlike attributes is an incredible opportunity. I've seen so many individuals become better versions of themselves on and off the field at this one-of-a-kind university, and I am excited to help many more do the same."
Before Southern Virginia University and Navy, DuPaix was the Recruiting Coordinator and Running Backs Coach at Brigham Young University from 2011–12. During his two years at BYU, the Cougars went 18–8 overall, including a 10–3 record in 2011, while collecting wins in their consecutive bowl game appearances.
From 2001–07, DuPaix served as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). DuPaix began his collegiate coaching career in 1998 as the quarterback coach for the University of Missouri-Rolla.
During his playing career, DuPaix was the starting quarterback and team captain for Southern Utah University, where he set an NCAA FCS individual rushing record for a quarterback with 1,246 yards during the 1996 season. Prior to joining SUU, DuPaix was named an Honorable Mention Junior College All-American in 1995 after recording 2,482 passing yards and 832 rushing yards for Snow College. He was also the MVP of the Real Dairy Bowl that same year.
DuPaix hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He played quarterback at Skyline High School for his father, Roger DuPaix, and was named the 1990 4A Utah State MVP.
He and his wife, Monica, married after he returned from serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Barranquilla, Colombia. Together they have eight children, several of which have attended Southern Virginia University.
"As a football family, we have an incredible opportunity to build a championship program," said DuPaix. "The student-athletes that we work with here bring integrity, toughness, and a competitive attitude. We will be a group that loves the game of football, wants to get better each day, and does so with a selfless attitude. I can't wait to help our program put in the work this off-season in preparation for the 2023 football season!"
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_ftbl on Instagram and Twitter.
