WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 4, 2012) - William and Mary head football coach Jimmye Laycock announced the hiring of Tom Clark as the team's defensive backs coach this afternoon.  

It will be Clark's second stint with the College, as he previously served as the team's defensive coordinator (2001-03).  His most recent position was as Liberty's defensive coordinator for the past six seasons. During his tenure with the Flames, his defenses consistently ranked among the nation's best. Liberty posted top-25 national rankings in scoring defense in four of his six seasons, while he helped the Flames establish numerous team defensive single-season school records. In one season alone, 2006, Clark's defensive corps set eight team single-season records, including fewest points allowed (172), most shutouts (3) and fewest touchdowns allowed (21). That fall, LU ranked 12th nationally in scoring defense by allowing just 15.6 points per game.

"We obviously are getting a quality coach with a great deal of experience and a familiarity with our campus," stated William and Mary Head Coach Jimmye Laycock.  "Tom brings us a proven coach with a great history of developing players.  I am sure he will bring immediate and valuable contributions, both to our defensive staff room and on the road recruiting."

In addition to the impressivestatistical rankings LU's defensive units achieved under Clark's watch, the Flames earned winning records in each of his six seasons in Lynchburg, posting an overall record of 47-20 and a 26-6 mark in the Big South. During that span, Liberty claimed four conference titles and finished each of the past three seasons ranked among the nation's top 25.

In addition to the team's success, a number of players flourished individually under his tutelage as he coached 24 all-league selections and a pair of honorable mention All-Americans.

Clark joined Liberty's staff after serving his second stint as head coach at Catholic in Washington, D.C. He coached Cardinals in 2004-05 after previously leading CU from 1994-2000. During his first seven years at Catholic, Clark led the program to a 56-14-1 overall record, which stands as one of the best seven-year runs in Division III history (.792 winning percentage). Additionally, he helped guide the Cardinals to three consecutive playoff appearances (1997, 1998 and 1999). Individual accoladesaccumulated for his players as well with nine standouts earning All-America honors during his first seven years at CU.

Between his two head coachingstints at Catholic, Clark served as William and Mary's defensive coordinator for three seasons (2001-03), helping the Tribe earn a share of the Atlantic 10 Conference championship in 2001.

"I am excited be back in Williamsburg," said Clark.  "While I was only here three years in my previous time on campus, my family and I created lasting roots in the area.  What's more, I am very familiar and comfortable with the campus and working with William and Mary's student-athletes.  Coach Laycock has built a great program with an incredible tradition, it is a great opportunity for me."

Clark's other coaching jobs include head coach and athletic director at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Md. (1988-93), graduate assistant coach for the secondary at Colorado (1987-88), assistant coach for the secondary at Catholic (1985-86) and assistant coach at St. John's College Prep in Washington, D.C. (1983-84).

Clark is a native of the Washington, D.C., area and earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Maryland in 1986. Clark and his wife, Laurie, have two children, Kevin and Samantha.