DAVIS, Calif. – Head Coach Tim Plough makes an addition on the defensive side of the ball as Austin Taylor joins his staff ahead of the 2024 season.
 
ABOUT AUSTIN TAYLOR
Austin Taylor will join Plough's staff as a defensive assistant. Taylor was on the coaching staff with Plough at Cal, where he was a defensive quality control assistant for the Golden Bears.
 
"Austin is a rising star in this profession," Plough said. "I was lucky enough to observe him this season as a key member of the defensive staff at Cal. He's worked with elite coaches: Bob Gregory, Peter Sirmon, and Justin Wilcox on the defensive side of the ball. A student of the game, elite teacher, great husband, and loving father. He embodies all the characteristics I want in members of our staff here at UC Davis. Thrilled to add him to the legacy of the 'Blue Force.'"
 
Taylor has made some enormous strides in his young coaching career, ascending from the Division III ranks to the FBS level in less than five years. His journey began at his alma mater George Fox University where he quickly became the wide receivers coach just one season removed from his playing days with the Bruins.
 
He took a massive leap with his next position, moving on to the University of Washington. He started as a recruiting intern in 2019 before he was elevated to the role of defensive assistant the following season. Taylor served in that role for one more year before he joined the staff at Cal ahead of the 2022 campaign. He stayed on the staff in 2023 when Plough joined as the tight ends coach and the duo will come to UC Davis poised for a big 2024 season.
 
"I am very grateful for the opportunity Coach Plough has given me to join the coaching staff at UC Davis, a program of great success and tradition," Taylor said. "My family and I are excited to join the Davis community and I can't wait to start working with the student-athletes."