The University of Akron Athletics
Bowden Names Otis Mounds as Zips Cornerbacks Coach
February 03 | Football
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AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron football head coach Terry Bowden announced on Monday that Otis Mounds, a former professional player and experienced coach at both the collegiate and high school levels, has joined the Zips' staff as cornerbacks coach. His hiring is pending approval by the University's Board of Trustees.
Mounds, who played safety for Bowden at Auburn during the 1993 and '94 seasons, joins the UA staff after serving as defensive backs coach at Holmes Community College in Goodman, Miss., over the last year. His resume also includes two seasons on the defensive staff at Texas Tech (2010-11) and two years as coach of the secondary at St. Thomas Aquinas High School (2008-09) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. His professional playing career featured time in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League.
"We look forward to having Otis join our staff," Bowden said. "He brings a unique mix of college and high school coaching background, including having worked with one of the best prep programs in the country at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. Those connections will certainly help us in terms of recruiting. Additionally, his experience as a professional player will be a valuable resource for our players."
While at St. Thomas Aquinas, Mounds tutored LaMarcus Joyner who was named the National Defensive Player of the Year and went on to play at Florida State. He also coached Cody Riggs (Florida), Brian Robinson (Marshall), Keyon Payne (Miami), Ronnie Kennedy (Central Michigan) and Desmond Southward (Wisconsin).
Before his stint at Holmes CC, Mounds was head coach at Emmerich Manual High School in Indianapolis, Ind., for one season (2012). He also served as head coach and defensive coordinator for three seasons at Coral Springs Charter School in Coral Springs, Fla. (2005-07). Mounds began his coaching career at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale in 2000, where he was secondary coach and defensive coordinator.
Notable players under his watch at Coral Springs included Darius Butler (Connecticut/New England Patriots), Evan Landi (South Florida) and Jamal Davis (Florida Atlantic).
"I am excited for the opportunity to reconnect with Coach Bowden at Akron," Mounds said. "He has put together an excellent staff that has great vision for where this team can go. I look forward to working with them to rebuild the program."
After completing a four-year career at Auburn (1990-94), Mounds played one season in the Canadian Football League for the Birmingham Barracudas before a four-year stint in the Arena Football League. While in the arena league, he competed for three different teams: Memphis (1996), Florida (1997-99) and Carolina (1999). He graduated from Auburn in 2003 with a degree in health promotions/sports and recreation management.
Mounds and his wife Myra have two sons, Otis Mounds Jr. and Myran, and one daughter, Oteria.
He replaces Terrell Buckley at UA, who in January joined the staff at Louisville.
