TU's Montgomery Announces Coaching Staff Addition

University of Tulsa Head Football Coach Philip Montgomery announced today the appointment of Jermial (ger-mile) Ashley to the Golden Hurricane coaching staff. Ashley will coach the defensive line.

He will be reunited with Tulsa's Co-Defensive Coordinator Bill Young. Ashley assisted coaching the defensive line with Young at Oklahoma State for three seasons (2010-12).

“We're excited to have Jermial join our coaching staff,” said Montgomery. “Jermial was coached by Bill Young at Kansas and worked with Bill for three years at Oklahoma State, so his familiarity and experience with Bill will be a definite advantage in coaching our defensive linemen.”

“I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to work for coach Montgomery. I've heard nothing but great things about him as a coach and recruiter, and I'm excited about the chance to wotk with him and learn from him to become a better coach,” said Ashley. “I've known Coach Young since 2003, and he's always been the same person since day one – very genuine, a great coach and great person. I'm excited to have the chance to work with him again.”

Ashley spent the past two seasons (2013-14) coaching the defensive line at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas. In his first season, the Cardinal defense led the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) for total defense, rushing defense, scoring defense and quarterback sacks. TVCC posted a 10-2 record in 2013, while winning the SWJCFC title, regional championship and the Heart of Texas Bowl crown with a 72-23 win over Mesa (Ariz.) CC. TVCC repeated as 2014 Conference, Regional and Heart of Texas Bowl Champions, while compiling an overall 12-0 record.

In 2013, Ashley coached the Conference Defensive Player of the Year and NJCAA First-Team All-American Jhaustin Thomas. Thomas and fellow defensive lineman Duval Jackson finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in the nation for sacks. In 2014, two of his defensive linemen, Manasseh Miles and DeVonte' Fields, were one-two on the team for sacks and tackles for lost yardage.

Before his stint at TVCC, Ashley spent three seasons working with the defensive line at Oklahoma State University under the tutelage of Bill Young. During his time at OSU, Ashley helped coached three defensive linemen that earned all-Big 12 honors, including Ugo Chinasa, Jaimie Blatnik and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Calvin Barnett.

He coached in three bowl games with Oklahoma State –– the 2010 Alamo Bowl, 2011 Fiesta Bowl and 2012 Heart of Texas Bowl.

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Ashley attended Keller Fossil Ridge High School, then attended Tyler Junior College where he was an NJCAA All-America defensive end. He went to the University of Kansas to continue his education and playing career. Ashley was a two-year starting defensive end for the Jayhawks, earning all-Big 12 honors both in 2004 and 2005.

Following his playing career, Ashley signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. He also spent a few years in private business before entering the coaching profession at Oklahoma State in 2010.

Ashley earned his bachelor's degree in Economics from Kansas in 2008.

Montgomery has two more full-time staff positions remaining to complete the Golden Hurricane football coaching staff.