Jericho Silvernail enters his first season at Azusa Pacific University as the Cougars’ defensive line coach.
Silvernail comes to APU after serving on the coaching staff at Long Beach City College, where he held several leadership and coaching roles since arriving in 2018. His responsibilities with the Vikings included Associate Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, Director of On-Campus Recruiting, Defensive Front Coordinator, Co-Recruiting Coordinator, and position coach for both the defensive line and tight ends.
Throughout his career, Silvernail has helped numerous student-athletes continue their playing careers at NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, and NAIA institutions. His coaching philosophy places a strong emphasis on player development, academic achievement, and helping student-athletes complete their degrees.
In 2025, Silvernail was selected for the American Football Coaches Association’s prestigious 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, recognizing him as one of the rising leaders in the coaching profession. He is also an active member of the AFCA and serves on its Convention Services Committee.
A graduate of Louisiana State University, Silvernail earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration with a concentration in Sports Leadership. Before joining the college ranks, he coached at Cerritos High School and Peninsula High School, developing his experience as a teacher, recruiter, and leader.
Silvernail has also presented at several coaching clinics, including events hosted by the Southern California Football Coaches Association and the AFCA. He has spoken during AFCA Virtual Clinics, served as a Junior College General Session speaker at the AFCA Convention, and presented during the convention’s Skills and Drills sessions.
Silvernail resides in the South Bay with his wife and their two children.Â
