Entering his third season at UVa-Wise, Shap Boyd’s defense has become one of the best in the Mountain East Conference. In 2017, Boyd’s unit ranked top 25 nationally in third down defense (13th), defensive touchdowns (15th), tackles for loss (18th) and interceptions (22nd). Overall, opponents posted just 315.7 yards per game against the Cavaliers last fall.
In his first season, Boyd’s defense ranked second in the Mountain East Conference against the run allowing just 100.1 yards on the ground per game. Additionally, the Cavaliers were third in the MEC in getting off the field on third down as opponents converted just 32.8 percent of third down chances.
Under Boyd’s tutelage, linebacker Zachary Blair earned Second-Team All-America accolades while defensive back Ed Kargbo garnered All-MEC Honorable Mention status in 2016 before linebacker Donavan Montague, defensive back Andre Hamilton and Kargo took home All-MEC Second-Team acclaim in 2017.
Prior to coming to UVa-Wise, Boyd spent the previous two seasons as the defensive backs and special teams coach at Southeastern University (Fla.).
While with the Fire, the team ranked second in the NAIA in punting, and 16th in punt return yardage in 2014.
The Fire combined to record 26 interceptions, 91 pass breakups, blocked 10 kicks and recorded three safeties during his two seasons at Southeastern.
Before Southeastern, Boyd was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at NCAA Division III Muskingum University of Ohio.
During his seven seasons with the Muskies, Boyd helped take a defense that was 10th in the Ohio Athletic Conference, to third in each of his final three seasons. During the 2011 campaign, Muskingum was 24th in the nation against the run.
Prior to Muskingum, Boyd was the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Washington University of St. Louis where the defense finished third nationally. Boyd was also the assistant director of the St. Louis Nike Football Clinic which was attended by over 350 coaches annually.
Boyd also spent five seasons at NCAA Division I FCS Jacksonville University, starting as the defensive secondary coach and special teams coordinator, before being named associate head coach and defensive coordinator. In 2001, he was a part of the coaching staff that guided JU to the Pioneer Football Conference Southern Division Championship. That season, they ranked 27th in the nation in total defense.
Boyd also spent time at The University of the South (Tenn.), Lycoming College (Pa.) and Lock Haven University (Pa.) as an assistant coach. Boyd was also at Lake Highland Prep in Orlando, Fla. as defensive coordinator and head track coach.
Boyd’s first coaching job was as a graduate assistant at Middle Tennessee State University, and later moved on to the University of Kentucky as a graduate assistant.
He is a graduate of the University of the South and earned his master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Boyd and his wife Beth have three children, Elizabeth Lee, Ashleigh and Quint.
