St. Thomas University Welcomes Drew Davis as New Head Coach for Bobcat Football Team

St. Thomas University Welcomes a New Era in Football

St. Thomas University (STU) has made waves in the sports community with the recent announcement of Drew Davis as the Head Coach for Bobcat Football. Taking over the reins from Bill Rychel, who will now serve as Senior Vice President for Athletics, Coach Davis comes with a robust history and proven track record that have set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the history of Bobcat football.

A Bright Future and Solid Foundations

Drew Davis's relationship with STU Football spans four impactful years during which he played a crucial role as an Assistant Coach. Under his guidance, the Bobcats have not only made playoff appearances for three consecutive seasons but have also earned national rankings. This remarkable level of success has cemented the team's position as one of the standouts in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) within a mere seven years.

David A. Armstrong, the President of St. Thomas University, stated, "At STU, we had a vision to use athletics as an enrollment and brand driver. We aimed to set a standard of excellence and compete on a national level. Bill Rychel has played an instrumental role in achieving these objectives, and now it's time to hand the football program to Drew Davis, whose background as a player, coach, and recruiter positions him perfectly for this role."

A Legacy of Excellence

The lineage of football excellence runs deep with Coach Davis. He is the son of Butch Davis, former Head Coach for both the University of Miami and the Cleveland Browns. Drew Davis himself has a rich football background, including a standout high school career where he became East Chapel Hill High School's all-time most productive passer. His collegiate journey at Ole Miss saw him participating in two prestigious New Year's Day bowl games, solidifying his expertise and love for the game.

"Coach Davis brings a lifetime of football experience to our program, and I am excited for him as he takes on this new role," remarked Bill Rychel. This sentiment reflects the shared enthusiasm surrounding Coach Davis's elevation to Head Coach. Having been recognized in the prestigious 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, Drew is recognized as a rising star not only at STU but also in the larger football community.

Commitment to Excellence

Drew Davis expressed his gratitude in stepping into this new role, stating, "I am beyond honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve as the Head Football Coach of St. Thomas University. I want to thank President Armstrong and SVP Bill Rychel for their trust and confidence in me. Together, we will continue to pursue excellence representing the university and competing at the highest level."

The rise of STU Football is emblematic of the positive changes spearheaded by the university in recent years. Under President Armstrong's leadership, the institution has enjoyed record enrollment figures and has achieved significant milestones, including its first national championship in men's swimming and diving in 2024, followed by two national titles in men’s rugby in 2025. Additionally, the university has seen considerable infrastructure improvements, adding over 600,000 square feet of new facilities.

About St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University is recognized as one of the premier Catholic universities in the Southeastern United States. Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Miami, it strives to develop ethical leaders and promote academic success among its diverse student body. With more than 60 programs in various fields, including law, health sciences, and business, STU provides quality education to meet the demands of today's dynamic workforce.

As the university advances its mission to become the leading Catholic institution in the South, the new leadership of Drew Davis presents an exciting opportunity to further enhance the stature and caliber of Bobcat Football, continuing to build on the magnificent history and legacy established at St. Thomas University.