Ivan Cordova, who joined the New Mexico Highlands football coaching staff in March 2011, is in his fourth season overall and his third season as defensive coordinator with the Cowboys.Â
Cordova has helped turn the Cowboys defense into a nationally recognized force. In 2012, the Cowboys ranked in the top-10 nationally in almost every single defensive category. The cowboys were fifth in sacks, headlined by All-American defensive lineman Devin Howard and All-American linebacker Jordan Campbell. The Cowboys were also stifling on third down as they held teams to a conversion rate of 28.8 percent (eighth best in the nation). New Mexico Highlands also finished in the top-10 nationally in tackles for loss, turnovers gained and interceptions as the Cowboys finished the season 9-2.
The 2012 defense built off of the success of the 2011 defense, which led the nation in pass efficiency defense, third down defense (22 percent), tackles for loss and run defense. The 2011 Cowboys also finished third nationally in sacks. The Cowboys won their first four games in 2011 before season ending injuries to all four Highlands quarterbacks.
During his tenure at Highlands, Cordova has coached three players who were named D2 All-Americans. Linebacker Jordan Campbell was a two-time All-American under Cordova. He also coached All-American defensive back Abdul Kanneh and All-American defensive linemen Devin Howard. Defensive back DiAmaal Holmes was also named a 2013 pre-season All-American.
In addition to these players, Cordova coached 11 All-Conference players, including linebackers Jordan Campbell, Jared Koster, Ibe Nduka, Cordell Nugent and Damien Whittington; defensive backs Abdul Kanneh and DiAmaal Holmes; defensive linemen Devin Howard, Otis Jones and Randy Salmon and safety DiAmaal Holmes.
Before joining the staff at New Mexico Highlands, Cordova worked at UNLV where he served as a defensive graduate assistant. Cordova assisted with coaching the secondary under the guidance of J.D. Williams. While at UNLV, Cordova also assisted linebackers coach Jed Stugart under head coach Mike Sanford. Cordova also earned valuable experience working with assistant recruiting coordinator Jimmy Morimoto.
Prior to his time at UNLV, Cordova worked at Vista Del Lago High School in California. He served as varsity defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for three seasons. In 2008, Cordova helped guide the Ravens to their only CIF Playoff appearance in school history.
Cordova is married to the former Laura Boots and has three children: Braeden, Nolan and Jackson.
