Defensive Coordinator Scott Power has chosen to part ways with the Wildcat program after recently accepting a coaching position as the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M University Commerce (TAMUC).

Power joined the Wildcats in 2016, where he had an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball. In Power’s first season at CWU, the Wildcat defense earned a top-25 ranking for total defense, rush defense, red zone defense and sacks. The Wildcats also averaged 10.7 tackles for loss per game which led the entire NCAA.

TAMUC defeated West Florida 37-27 to capture the NCAA Division II National Championship last season.

The Wildcats, who are coming off an impressive showing last season after winning the GNAC tournament with an 11-1 record, were eliminated in double overtime by TAMUC in the regional quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Tournament. The final score was 34-31.

For the time being, special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach Benny Boyd has taken over the role of filling in, in Power’s absence.

Shoemaker said that the main focus at the moment is making sure that the team is getting ready for spring ball. Shoemaker said that once spring ball is over, the program will look to accelerate the process of finding a new defensive coordinator.

“He thought it was a good move for him and his family, and a better opportunity for expanding his network and getting more experience,” Shoemaker said. “We’re sorry to see [him] go, but it’s part of the profession.”