MONTICELLO – University of Arkansas at Monticello head football coach Gwaine Mathews has announced the promotion of Derek Warehime from offensive line coach to offensive coordinator, effective immediately.
 
Warehime, who was hired as the offensive line coach prior to the 2008 season, will continue that role while assuming his new responsibilities as offensive coordinator for the 2009 season.
 
“I think Derek is a perfect fit for this job,” said Mathews. “I was tickled to death to promote him, and he has really hit the ground running.”
 
Warehime brings all but four starters into the spring and summer off-seasons from a team that led the Gulf South Conference in total offense and rushing offense in 2008. He will have three returning starters on the offensive line, one starting wide receiver, one starting tight end, one starting running back and one starting quarterback.
 
“I made it clear at our coaches luncheon the other day there was no hesitation in the decision to promote Derek,” said Mathews. “He understands the current situation and the task set in front of him. (UAM) has been one of the best offensive teams in the conference the past few seasons, and I am totally confident Derek can keep us at that level.”
 
Prior to his hire at UAM, Warehime spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Rice University, where he primarily worked with the offensive line while also being the team’s assistant video coordinator.
 
Before taking the position at Rice, he spent one season at his alma mater, the University of Tulsa, where he was a student assistant with the offensive line of the 2005 Conference USA champions.
 
His playing career consisted of 34 games started for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, earning All-WAC First Team accolades as a center after his senior season. Following his collegiate career, he spent one season playing professional football with the Arena Football League’s Tulsa Talons, where he was a member of the 2005 Western Division Champions.
 
He and his wife, Kelly, reside in Monticello. They were married June 1, 2007.