Vincent White Names Payam Saadat Defensive Line Coach
1/9/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 9, 2004
Moraga, CA - Saint Mary's College head football coach Vincent White has named Payam Saadat as the new defensive line coach for the football team. Saadat comes to SMC from Western Washington where he was an assistant coach for six years.
"We are thrilled to have Payam join the Saint Mary's coaching staff," said White. "Payam has proven to be an excellent coach during his time at Western Washington, where he helped the Vikings become one of the top defenses in Division II football. I believe he will instill the same toughness and style of play in the defense here at Saint Mary's."
While at Western Washington, Saadat, 30, served in a number of roles that included coaching the defensive line and special teams. He also was the team's recruiting coordinator and the assistant strength and conditioning coach.
During Saadat's stay at Western, the Vikings won four conference championships and made a national playoff appearance in 1999. In 1999, WWU ranked third nationally in rushing defense (79.1 avg.) and 15th in total defense (272.0). Additionally, Western was 14th in rushing defense (94.9) and 23rd in scoring defense (18.1) in 2000, and 23rd in rushing defense (109.8) and 24th in scoring defense (18.3) in 2001. In 2002, Saadat was named NCAA Division II Special Teams Coach of the Year by American Football Monthly magazine, and in 2001, the Vikings ranked No.1 nationally in kickoff returns (27.1 avg.).
Prior to his arrival at Western Washington, Saadat was an assistant at Cal Poly for two years, and helped the Mustangs to a 10-1 record in 1997. Prior to his two seasons at Cal Poly, he coached one year at Santa Monica Junior College.
Saadat earned his bachelor's degree in Biology at Washington State University in 1994. At WSU, he played linebacker on Cougar teams that were victorious at the Alamo Bowl in 1994 and Copper Bowl in 1992. Saadat was WSU's inspirational, courage and strength award winner in 1994. Saadat, who completed his master's degree in Kinesiology at Cal Poly in 1998, placed first in the shot put at the 2000 Paralympic Trials and finished fourth at the 1998 World Championships. He is the American record holder (45-5 1/2) in the upper arm amputee division.
Saadat replaces Lance Anderson who resigned his position at Saint Mary's to take over as the linebacker coach at Utah State University.
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