Furman promotes Chad Byers to sole defensive coordinator after Vaughn exit

Furman elevated Chad Byers to the program’s sole defensive coordinator on Feb. 18, 2026, a near-term reshuffle that followed the exit of co-defensive coordinator Duane Vaughn one day earlier. The move removes the co-coordinator arrangement and places full defensive authority with Byers as the Paladins move into the offseason calendar.

Byers had been serving as co-defensive coordinator prior to the Feb. 18 announcement, and the promotion consolidates play-calling and schematic responsibility under a single leader. The decision came after Vaughn’s departure from the staff on Feb. 17, 2026, creating the immediate vacancy that Byers fills.

Furman characterized the change as a defensive coaching-staff reshuffle when it announced the promotion on Feb. 18, 2026, signaling a quick internal adjustment rather than a prolonged search. The timing leaves Byers in place for the program’s next official roster and coaching deadlines in late February and the March recruiting window, with the role change effective immediately upon the Feb. 18 announcement.

The staffing move narrows the chain of command that had featured co-defensive coordinators and answers the gap created by Vaughn’s exit on Feb. 17, 2026. With Byers now the sole defensive coordinator, he assumes responsibility for defensive game-planning and staff alignment for upcoming spring events and the 2026 season cycle.

As of Feb. 25, 2026, Furman’s official staff listing reflects Byers as sole defensive coordinator following the Feb. 18 promotion and Vaughn’s Feb. 17 departure. The change is the latest concrete personnel update in Furman’s coaching ranks this month and represents a clear redistribution of defensive leadership heading into the spring portion of the calendar.