Mike Lackey

Mike Lackey, a former East Stroudsburg University graduate assistant who spent four seasons at the University of Missouri, completed his fourth season as the defensive coordinator for the Warriors' football program in 2023. In four seasons, Lackey has overseen 13 All-PSAC selections and an AFCA All-America First Team Selection in Deshawn McCarthy.

ESU's defense shined once again in 2023, which ranked fourth nationally in interceptions (19), 10th in defensive touchdowns (4) and ranked fifth in the PSAC in total defense and seventh in scoring defense. The Warriors returned to the NCAA Playoffs for the first time since 2009, with Dasean Dixon, Deshawn McCarthy and Jahmere Crumpton all earning All-PSAC East First Team honors, while Sergei Felizor was tabbed to the All-PSAC East Second Team. The stout Warrior defense allowed less than 100 yards total rushing in eight contests and less than 300 yards passing in 11 games. The Warrior defense allowed just one 100-yd rusher and one 300-yd passer during the 12-game campaign. 

ESU's balanced defense featured 11 Warriors who recorded at least one interception, eight players who recorded a forced fumble, nine players who recovered a fumble, and 12 players who contributed at least a half sack. Sergei Felizor became the first Warrior since 2008 to record 100-plus tackles in back-to-back seasons.