Last week, West Texas A&M defensive coordinator Levi Gallas left to become head coach at Adams State, his alma mater. This left an opening at a school with some of the best facilities in NCAA Division II and will surely attract a quality list of candidates. Here’s a look at five who could potentially be considered.

Will Snyder, McMurry assistant head coach and defensive coordinator

Under head coach Jordan Neal's tenure, the War Hawks program has risen from the bottom of the American Southwest Conference to the top of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. One significant reason for the rise is an improved defense, led by Will Snyder. McMurry’s defense has vastly improved during Snyder’s three seasons. This season, it allowed only 11.9 points per game while earning a share of the SCAC title. The 'Buffs' defense would thrive under Snyder's tutelage.

Caid Faske, Colorado State-Pueblo defensive coordinator

The Thunderwolves quickly developed into a power in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and Faske’s defense has been a key contributor. The CSU-Pueblo defense has allowed an average of 22 points per game during his two years. This year, the defense allowed 20.33 points per game, finishing with a 10-2 overall record, a perfect 9-0 mark to secure the program’s first outright RMAC title since 2014, a 16-game winning streak in the conference, and nine consecutive road victories. The Bushland native and WT alum is a star recruiter in the West Texas area.

Jamison Bisch, Texas A&M-Kingsville defensive coordinator

Since Bisch arrived in 2023, TAMU-Kingsville's solid Javelina defense has become one of the best in the Lone Star Conference. During his two seasons, TAMU-Kingsville’s defense has allowed an average of 19.8 points per game, including a paltry 18.9 points in 2024. Bisch was named interim head coach when Michael Salinas transitioned to full-time athletic director and was considered a favorite to lead the Javelinas in 2025 before Scott Parr was named head coach. There is hope that Bisch will remain in Kingsville, but he would be a terrific fit in Canyon.

Jonathan Petty, Houston Christian associate head coach, and safeties coach

Petty has spent the last two years at HCU as a rising star in the collegiate coaching ranks. In 2023, he coached cornerbacks and was passing game coordinator and academic liaison under Braxton Harris. In early 2024, he was promoted to associate head coach and safeties coach when Jason Bachtel was named head coach. Before arriving in Houston, Petty was defensive coordinator at Texas A&M-Kingsville, where he led the Javelina defense to significant statistical improvements. The San Antonio native spent three seasons as the secondary coach and director of football operations at his alma mater, Hardin-Simmons. Petty could help lead a resurgence for the Buffs.

Jordan Collins, Mary Hardin-Baylor defensive ends coach and pass rush specialist

Another coach quickly rising through the coaching ranks, Collins helped lead the Crusader defense to the national quarterfinals this year. After registering 18 sacks during the regular season, the Cru defense came to life in the playoffs, recording an impressive 22 sacks during a four-game run in the NCAA Division III playoffs. Before arriving in Belton, Collins was the defensive coordinator at East Texas Baptist, where the Tigers registered 30 sacks while leading the American Southwest Conference in red zone defense, forced fumbles, and touchdowns allowed. Collins knows how to coach a defense to force turnovers, and UMHB led the nation in turnovers this season.