PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke football head coach Shane Richardson announced a pair of changes to his coaching staff on Friday as graduate assistant coaches DeVante Bush and Aaron Welch were promoted to full-time positions with the Braves.
 
Bush, who has handled coaching duties for the Black & Gold running backs over the last two seasons, will take over as defensive line coach for the Black & Gold heading into the 2018 campaign. A former standout defensive lineman for UNCP from 2010-13, Bush played in 38 games across his collegiate career and amassed 112 tackles (49 solo), including 29-1/2 tackles for loss and then-school record 19-1/2 sacks. He still ranks among the program's top 5 in six statistical categories, including sacks (2nd), tackles for loss (4th) and forced fumbles (T-4th).
 
"Coach Bush has been a fundamental member of our program for a long time," Richardson said. "He was successful as a player in our system and brings credibility to our players. He is familiar with our culture and makes for a seamless transition for our staff after having coached with us in different roles for the past 3-1/2 years. DeVante has continued to improve his responsibilities each semester, and has proven a strong rapport for player relationships. 
 
Welch, a letterwinner at both Adams State and Cornell College, has been integral in the coaching duties of UNCP's defensive backs over the last two seasons and will take over assistant coach duties at the running back position beginning in 2018. A starting linebacker at Cornell, Welch played in 27 games and registered 93 tackles (48 solo) at Cornell before serving as an assistant coach for the Rams during the 2015 campaign.
 
"Coach Welch has displayed tremendous competence over the course of the last two years as a graduate assistant," Richardson said. "He has bought into our way of operating and has stepped up to show himself as a great young coach. He was able to go through a semester of a working interview and was the best fit for our program. Aaron brings a creative way of coaching to the table and can relate to the players very well."