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Harding University Athletics

Jeff Montgomery/Harding Universi

Roddy Mote

  • Title
    Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach
  • Email
    rmote@harding.edu
  • Phone
    501-279-4061
AT HARDING
Mote began his third stint as an assistant coach at Harding in 2016 and serves as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He also coached at Harding from 1994-99 and 2001-04.

Coaching Highlights:
  • Served as Harding’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach on the 2023 NCAA Division II national championship team.
  • Harding has a 90-16 record in the eight seasons since Mote returned and has made seven NCAA Division II Playoffs appearances, reaching the NCAA Division II semifinals in 2017 and winning the national championship in 2023 ... has coached in 18 postseason games for Harding.
  • Has coached 11 First Team All-GAC linebackers, including All-Americans Daylan Skidmore, Sam Blankenship and Dylan Hendricks and Clark Griffin.
  • Since becoming defensive coordinator in 2017, Harding has led the GAC in total defense and rushing defense for seven straight seasons and in scoring defense in six of seven seasons ... Harding led Division II in total defense in 2018, 2019 and 2024.
  • In 2019, Mote was a finalist for the FootballScoop.com Division II Coordinator of the Year and was the only defensive coordinator among the four finalists.
BEFORE HARDING
Mote took the head coaching job at Harding Academy in 2008 and led the team to state championships in 2012 and 2015 and compiled a 93-12 career record.

PLAYING CAREER
Mote was a three-year letterman at Harding as a quarterback and running back from 1984-89. Was a three-year letterman as a high school quarterback at St. Mary's (West Virginia) High School.

EDUCATION
Mote earned his bachelor's degree in education in 1989 and his master's in physical education at Harding in 1996.

FAMILY
Mote is married to the former Kim Griffin of Searcy, who teaches at Harding Academy. The couple have three children--Taylor, Tory and Ty.

COACHING EXPERIENCE
2017-present    Harding, defensive coordinator/linebackers coach
2016    Harding, linebackers coach
2008-2015    Harding Academy (Arkansas), head coach
2005-2007    Harding Academy (Arkansas), assistant coach
2001-2004    Harding, secondary coach
1994-1999    Harding, offensive backs coach
1991-1993    Greater Atlanta Christian, assistant coach
1990    Goodpasture Academy, Nashville, Tennessee, assistant coach
1989    The Colony (Texas) HS, assistant coach

PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Harding, quarterback/running back, 1984-89
St. Mary's (West Virginia) HS, quarterback, 1981-84