Antonio James - Football Coach - Southern Illinois University Athletics

Antonio James

Title:
Defensive Line
Email:
antonio.james@siu.edu

Antonio James was promoted to assistant head coach for Saluki Football in January of 2023 and defensive coordinator in July of 2023.

Under James' direction, SIU's defense was elite in 2023, ranking in the top 10 in the FCS in numerous statistical categories — Scoring Defense (4th/16.2 points per game), Total Defense (4th/282.3 yards per game), sacks (6th/3.00 sacks per game), rushing defense (5th/94.2 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (7th/111.73), turnovers gained (7th/25 turnovers) and 4th down defense (8th/0.333 conversion rate).

James spent his first season in 2022 as defensive line coach and continues to coach the D-line. Previously, he coached four seasons at Morgan State, becoming the program's defensive coordinator in 2018, while sharing the title of co-special teams coordinator.

James, who was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2018, was instrumental in guiding the Bears fast and aggressive style of attack.

The Bears’ 2018 defense ranked among the league leaders in a number of categories; No. 1 in sacks (29); No. 1 in red zone defense; T-No. 1 in 4th down defense (29.4 pct); No. 2 in interceptions (14), No. 2 in pass defense efficiency (113.0), No. 3 in rushing defense (153.9 avg); No. 3 in 3rd down defense (30.4 pct.); No. 4 in opponent 1st downs (18 avg), and No. 4 in scoring defense (25.6 avg).

Prior to Morgan State, James served as a graduate assistant coach for Michigan (2014-16), where he assisted with the defensive line. He also coached the defensive line and outside linebackers at Urbana High School from 2011-13.

James was a four-year letterman on the defensive line at the University of Illinois (2006-09), and helped lead the Fighting Illini to the 2008 Rose Bowl Game. He appeared in 46 career games with six starts, and finished his collegiate career with 40 tackles, six tackles-for-losses and two-and-a-half sacks.

James earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Illinois.

He attended Washington High School, where he was named a first-team All-Ohio selection by the Associated Press as a senior.

James was named to the 2017 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 30 Under 30 Coaches' Leadership Institute.