BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Samford assistant football coach Russ Callaway has been promoted to offensive coordinator, head coach Chris Hatcher announced Wednesday afternoon.
 
Callaway has been with Hatcher for the last three seasons, one at Samford and two at Murray State. Callaway spent the 2015 season coaching Samford's wide receivers, working with All-SoCon receiver Karel Hamilton and SoCon Freshman of the Year Kelvin McKnight.
 
At Murray State, Callaway worked with the wide receivers, while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.
            
Callaway joined the Racers after winning back-to-back BCS National Championships as a defensive analyst on Nick Saban's staff at Alabama. In his role at UA, Callaway assisted defensive coordinator Kirby Smart with the inside linebackers.
    
Callaway played collegiately as a quarterback at Valdosta State. He was a two-time captain and had his most productive season in 2009 when he went 26-for-45 for 350 yards and three touchdowns. He joined the Blazers in 2007, helping the team to the school's second National Championship.
    
After his playing career was cut short by injury, Callaway spent his final year working with the quarterbacks as a student assistant at VSU. Callaway graduated from VSU in 2010 with a degree in business management.
    
Callaway replaces former offensive coordinator Travis Trickett who recently accepted the same position at Florida Atlantic.