Kevin Corless has joined Georgia Southern's football program as linebackers coach after nine seasons as an assistant at Arkansas State, GSU announced Thursday.
    Western Illinois hired Corless as defensive coordinator Jan. 16 but he resigned less than two weeks later, citing personal reasons, according to the Western Courier newspaper.
    Corless helped turn three programs into nationally ranked defenses. He replaces former linebackers coach Shawn Quinn, who accepted the defensive coordinator position at Charleston Southern.
    Corless, a Kansas City, Mo., native, worked nine years (2002-10) as an assistant at Arkansas State, the first seven as co-defensive coordinator with the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Jack Curtis. Corless worked the final two seasons with sole responsibility as coordinator. He also was in charge of the linebackers and punt return unit.
    Coming off a Sun Belt title in 2005 and participation in the New Orleans Bowl, Corless’ unit finished second twice (2006, 2008) and led the conference twice (2007, 2009) in total defense. He was named the league’s 2009 Defensive Coordinator of the Year by Rivals.com.
    During the 2010 season, the Red Wolves led the Sun Belt Conference in red zone defense (17th nationally), ranked second in turnovers gained (25th nationally) and third in sacks (40th). When ASU led the conference in total defense during the 2009 campaign, the unit also boasted the top ranking in red zone defense and scoring defense while finishing second in rushing defense and third in passing defense.
    In 2008, ASU led the Sun Belt in red zone defense and rushing defense while ranking second in scoring and pass defense. Corless and the defense stood 11th nationally in stopping opponents in the red zone and 20th in tackles for loss. That year the program beat Texas A&M, 18-14.
    From 1995 until 2001, Corless was an assistant coach at Northwestern State, starting as the defensive line coach (1995-98) before being promoted to Defensive Co-Coordinator the final three seasons in charge of the linebackers (1999-2001).  Corless also coached linebackers and was the special teams coordinator at Montana Tech from 1986-95.
    GSU will begin spring practice following spring break (March 12-16). The Eagles will play the annual Blue-White game April 14.