DeChon Burns was named head coach of the Linfield Christian Lions football team following last week’s dismissal of Steve Silberman, who had been there for two years. Burns was the assistant coach/defensive coordinator under Silberman.

"Coach Burns has the strength of character, wealth of experience and a strong network of contacts that can develop fine young Christian men and bring Linfield’s football program into prominence in the upcoming years," said Athletic Director Timm Macdonell.

Burns has an impressive resume of experience. He played defensive back for the University of Southern California team that went to the 1989 Rose Bowl as well as centerfield for the USC baseball team in 1992. He was part of the Houston Astros Developmental League. Burns was an assistant to the USC football coaching staff for two years in 1990-92. He received his BA in Communications from USC in 1993.

"Dechon coached with me at the University of Florida and in the NFL at the Washington Redskins," said Coach Steve Spurrier, former head coach with both teams and current head coach at the University of South Carolina. "He coached the defensive line and linebackers and did a super job. He’s a wonderful person and I’m sure he’ll do an excellent job."

The Florida Gators posted a 10-2 mark that year and beat Maryland in the FedEx Orange Bowl, 56-23, finishing #3 in the nation.

Burns also has experience as an assistant linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49’ers and as a special teams/linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. He also coached the Sacramento Lions of the UFL.

Burns’ college experience also includes being a defensive line coach at University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) and interim head coach/defensive coordinator at Texas Southern University in 2006-7, where the defense was ranked one of the top in the NCAA FCS. He coached for Howard Schnellenberger in the Texas vs. the Nation game in 2010. Burns was head coach for the Pro-Bound Sports Bowl West Team.

Burns has experience at the high school level, having coached at Bishop Amat and Beverly Hills High Schools and for the past two years at Linfield Christian. He also coaches at Football University camps and clinics throughout the USA.

Burns graduated from Rubidoux High where he played football, basketball, baseball and track. He was also ASB President there.

Burns, his wife Enid, sons Lorenzo and Simeon, and daughter Jailyn fell in love with Linfield Christian School. All three kids are enrolled there and participate in multiple activities and sports. Burns teaches Bible, PE, and coaches the track team. He was hired as the Athletic Foundation Director.

"God led us to this place, my kids love it, and I can use my skills and talents to impact many lives here," said Burns. "I want to create a football program that develops responsible and accountable young men that can become productive pillars in society; young men who are extremely competitive with a desire to bring home multiple championships and do everything with integrity to the best of their abilities. Linfield has the potential to be great."