DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis football Head Coach Tim Plough announced on Monday, the final piece of this year's Aggie coaching staff with the return of Paul Shelton as offensive coordinator heading into the 2024 season.
 
"I am humbled and honored that Coach Plough trusts me enough to bring my family and me back to Davis," said Shelton. "Davis holds a special place in my heart and my family's heart, and I'm excited to get back to working with a special group of student-athletes, coaches, and community. I can't wait to see what we can accomplish in the coming seasons."
 
"We are thrilled to bring Paul Shelton back to Shredville," said Plough. "The history of QB development at UC Davis is as special as anywhere in the country. Paul has a unique experience of being a key member of our offensive staff in previous years, coordinating our special teams, and gaining head coaching experience back in his home state of Tennessee.
 
"He has developed NFL players both at TE and at punter in his time at UC Davis. Not only is he an elite teacher/recruiter, but Paul is an elite person. Fired up to have him coordinate our offense and help mentor our quarterbacks."
 
Over the past two seasons, Shelton has been the head coach at South-Doyle High School in Knoxville, Tenn. While in Knoxville Shelton helped improve the team's GPA to over 3.0 and oversaw quarterback Maddox Cupp set school single-season records in passing yards and touchdowns.
 
Shelton's first stop in Davis was from 2018-22 where he served under previous head coach Dan Hawkins. During his first stint in Davis, Shelton was the special teams coordinator and helped coach the tight ends.
 
While at UC Davis the first time, Shelton coached current NFL players punter Daniel Whelan and tight end McCallan Castles. Following the 2021 spring season Whelan was named First Team All-American and McCallan earned First Team All-American Sophomore honors.
 
An NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist, Shelton first moved to California from his home state of Tennessee in 2018. Originally from Newport, located on the Volunteer State's eastern border, Shelton played football at Cocke County High School and Maryville College before graduating from East Tennessee State with a degree in history and a minor in secondary education in 2008.
 
Shelton coached from 2008-14 at Unicoi County High School before heading to Bearden High School in 2014-18.
 
COACHING HISTORY
Season: Team – Position (Postseason, Notes)
2008-14: Unicoi County High School – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
2015-18: Bearden High School – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
2018: UC Davis – Special Teams Quality Control
2019: UC Davis - Strength and Conditioning Intern
2019: UC Davis – Special Teams Quality Control
2020: UC Davis – Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends
2021: UC Davis – Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends
2022: UC Davis – Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends
2023: South-Doyle High School – Head Coach
2024: South-Doyle High School – Head Coach
 
STAFF ADJUSTMENTS: Along with the addition of Shelton, there were two other adjustments made by Plough on the Aggie coaching staff.
 
- Isaiah Jackson now moves into a new role as Special Teams Coordinator
- Ryan Springer has replaced Timothy Ornelas as Video Coordinator. Ornelas has moved into an administrative position within the Aggie athletic department.
 
The Aggies open 2024 at California on Aug. 31. UC Davis opens its home account on Sept. 7 when Texas A&M-Commerce comes to UC Davis Health Stadium.
 
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