Indians' defensive coordinator called to active duty

Southeast Missourian

While the happenings in Iraq may seem far away to many Southeast Missouri residents, they have hit close to home for Southeast Missouri State University's football program.

Indians defensive coordinator Damon Bradford was recently called up by the Tennessee National Guard and will report for active duty on Sunday.

Southeast head coach Tim Billings said while he had known about Bradford's situation for two weeks, it does not make the news any easier.

"You hate to see anyone you know go over to Iraq," he said.

Bradford, who was hired during the offseason after serving as linebackers coach at Tennessee Tech, will not be replaced on the staff. Billings, a former defensive coordinator at Marshall, will step into the role of defensive coordinator.

"It will just add some things to my plate," he said. "But that's what I do. That's my expertise."

Southeast will keep Bradford's position vacant until his tour of duty is completed. Bradford will be sent for training in Fort Knox, Ky., before being sent to Iraq with his squadron at a date that can't be released.

"We'll be fine here," Billings said. "Things go on, life goes on. But we'll be thinking of him."