ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western State University head football coach Tyler Fenwick has announced that Eriq Moore will join the Griffon football staff as the defensive backs coach.

Moore most recently served as the defensive secondary coach and special teams coordinator at Emporia State.

"Coach Moore has experience at a winning program in the MIAA and I've had the opportunity to match up against his defenses the last two postseasons," said Fenwick. "He will be a tremendous addition to the Griffon program."

Over the past two seasons, Moore helped lead the Hornets to a 15-6 overall record and two appearances in the postseason. Emporia's defense improved from allowing 28.3 points per game, ranking seventh in the MIAA in his first season in Emporia to 21.7 points per game, ranking third this past season A key part of that improvement was a reduction in passing yards allowed of 65.9 yards per game year-over-year. Two defensive backs under Moore's tutelage – Montrell Wilson and Derrick Maxwell – tied for the MIAA lead this past season with three interceptions apiece.

Moore previously served as defensive backs coach at Southern Arkansas for two seasons and Chadron State for one after his playing days. A three-year starter at Southeast Missouri State, Moore earned a scholarship after walking on to the team as a freshman and was twice voted by his peers as a team captain.

A preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference selection ahead of his senior campaign in 2016, Moore was recognized as the Redhawks' top defensive back the year prior as he won the Ken Hargens Award. For his career, Moore totaled 178 tackles, picked off eight passes, recovered four fumbles, and forced three fumbles.

He and his wife Unique, have two sons, EJ and Elijah.