University of Houston Athletics
Marcus Trice Tabbed Defensive Backs Coach
12/29/2025 12:10:00 PM | Football
Respected Texas college, high school defensive backs coach added to Cougar staff
HOUSTON – Former Oklahoma and North Texas defensive back Marcus Trice was named Houston Football Defensive Backs Coach by Head Coach Willie Fritz on Monday.
Trice joins the Cougars from Stephen F. Austin where he helped the Lumberjacks to the Quarterfinals of the 2025 FCS Playoffs, their best finish since 2009. The Lumberjacks won 11 FCS games after opening the season against Houston and won all seven home games they played.
Three Lumberjack defensive backs earned All-Southland Defense honors in 2025 with Charles Demmings and Jalen Mayo earning All-SLC Defense First-Team honors and Aaron Sears being named to the All-SLC Defense Second Team. Mayo led SFA cornerbacks with an 88.4 PFF Coverage Grade which ranked eighth in FCS.
Over the last two seasons SFA intercepted 31 passes over 26 games, including 17 in 2024 which ranked seventh nationally, and 14 in 2025 which ranked 14th in FCS. At SFA, Trice served as the Defensive Recruiting Coordinator/D-Pass Game/Cornerbacks coach. In four seasons at SFA Trice guided the Lumberjacks to 51 interceptions including two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
"I heard a lot of great things about Coach Trice, so I am thrilled to have him join the staff," Fritz said. "SFA had a great season this year and I love that he has Texas high school coaching experience. He will be a great addition to our defensive coaching staff."
Prior to his time in Nacogdoches, Trice spent four years coaching Texas high school football, with his last stint as the Co-Defensive Coordinator at Lovejoy for two seasons.
Trice started his coaching career at Missouri where he was a graduate assistant in 2017 for the Tigers.
As a senior at North Texas in 2013, Trice recorded 91 tackles, five interceptions and notched nine pass breakups across 13 games where the Mean Green went 9-4. While at North Texas, Trice was Team Captain, Conference USA 1st Team All-Conference Defensive Back, Defensive Back of the Year, and Co-Special Teams Player of the Year.
Trice played in 52-career college football games and finished his career with 166 tackles, seven interceptions and 12 pass breakups.
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Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Trice joins the Cougars from Stephen F. Austin where he helped the Lumberjacks to the Quarterfinals of the 2025 FCS Playoffs, their best finish since 2009. The Lumberjacks won 11 FCS games after opening the season against Houston and won all seven home games they played.
Three Lumberjack defensive backs earned All-Southland Defense honors in 2025 with Charles Demmings and Jalen Mayo earning All-SLC Defense First-Team honors and Aaron Sears being named to the All-SLC Defense Second Team. Mayo led SFA cornerbacks with an 88.4 PFF Coverage Grade which ranked eighth in FCS.
Over the last two seasons SFA intercepted 31 passes over 26 games, including 17 in 2024 which ranked seventh nationally, and 14 in 2025 which ranked 14th in FCS. At SFA, Trice served as the Defensive Recruiting Coordinator/D-Pass Game/Cornerbacks coach. In four seasons at SFA Trice guided the Lumberjacks to 51 interceptions including two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
"I heard a lot of great things about Coach Trice, so I am thrilled to have him join the staff," Fritz said. "SFA had a great season this year and I love that he has Texas high school coaching experience. He will be a great addition to our defensive coaching staff."
Prior to his time in Nacogdoches, Trice spent four years coaching Texas high school football, with his last stint as the Co-Defensive Coordinator at Lovejoy for two seasons.
Trice started his coaching career at Missouri where he was a graduate assistant in 2017 for the Tigers.
As a senior at North Texas in 2013, Trice recorded 91 tackles, five interceptions and notched nine pass breakups across 13 games where the Mean Green went 9-4. While at North Texas, Trice was Team Captain, Conference USA 1st Team All-Conference Defensive Back, Defensive Back of the Year, and Co-Special Teams Player of the Year.
Trice played in 52-career college football games and finished his career with 166 tackles, seven interceptions and 12 pass breakups.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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