FAYETTE, Mo. Central Methodist head football coach Jody Ford announced Tuesday that Popi Stevens has been hired as the new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach effective immediately. Stevens, who spent the 2012 season as the Eagles' co-offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, replaces Doug Brady, who spent the 2014 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

"I am very excited to be back at Central Methodist," Stevens commented. "I would like to thank Coach Ford and the CMU family for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to come back and work for such an amazing institution."

Stevens spent the last two seasons as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Point (Ga.), which began its football program in 2012. During his first season, the Skyhawks ranked second in the NAIA in fewest sacks allowed (9), 14th in fourth down conversion rate (57.9), 18th in rushing offense per game (204.0), 37th in third down conversion rate (37.5),�46th in total offense per game (357.8) and 48th in pass efficiency (113.2).�

"I am very excited to welcome Popi back to the Central Methodist family," Ford said. "Popi has a tremendous reputation with our staff and the current players from his first time as a coach in Fayette. After running the spread for the last two seasons, we will install the pro-style attack that he coached while at Point. I have no doubt that with Popi's guidance, our offense will continue to be one of the best in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)."

In 2012, running the flexbone, the Eagles ranked seventh in the nation in rushing offense per game (254.8). Two of Stevens' offensive lineman were voted All-HAAC.

Stevens spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons as a graduate assistant running backs coach with the Eagles. After transitioning from a spread attack to the flexbone, Central Methodist posted a 5-5 record in 2011 and became one of the most dominant ground teams in the NAIA, ranking seventh in rushing offense per game (234.2).�Three of Stevens' running backs were named All-HAAC in 2011.

Stevens played tight end, fullback and left tackle for the Eagles from 2006-09. The Kapolei, Hawaii, native made 33 consecutive starts and never missed a game in his career. Stevens was a third team All-HAAC honoree in 2008 and 2009 and as a senior helped guide the Eagles (6-4) to their first winning season since 1991.

Stevens earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Central Methodist in 2010 and a Master's degree in Education at Central Methodist in 2012. His wife, Shannon, was a four-year player for the Eagles' women's soccer team from 2009-12. His younger brother, Paul, concluded a four-year career this past season with the Eagles as a wide receiver and was a two-time All-HAAC performer.