Derrick Burroughs
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

Former Buffalo Bills defensive back, Derrick Burroughs, returns to the state of Tennessee where he played for the University of Memphis. Burroughs was named as the Athletic Director and head football coach for Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Burroughs’ Tennessee roots stems from his football accolades as a defensive back from 1980 – 1985. He was first team all conference, voted Defensive Player of the Year, was selected to the 1985 Blue Gray All-Star team where he was voted the game’s defensive MVP and went on to be selected to the Senior Bowl. Burroughs graduated from Memphis receiving a degree in Criminal Justice/ Criminology. Immediately following, he continued his football career as the 14th overall player taken in the 1st round by the Buffalo Bills in the 1985 NFL draft.

Burroughs was forced to retired from professional football following a serious neck injury but vowed to remain dedicated to the sport as mentor and coach. His 14 years as coach with National Football League (NFL) teams in the US and Europe, including Arena and the XFL football leagues and a five year participation in the NFL minority internship-coaching program, has landed him back with his passion for coaching at the collegiate level. Prior to his current position at Lane College, he has coached at nationally recognized colleges and universities including Alabama State University, Clark College in Atlanta and Knoxville College. He has a passion for coaching the defensive side of the ball and has held positions that include: Director of Operations and Cornerback coach for the UFL; Defensive Coordinator; Pass Defense Coordinator; Assistant Head Coach; and, Receivers, Special Teams and Defensive Back Coach at the NFL and collegiate levels.