Missouri State University

Missouri State University head football coach Terry Allen has finalized his coaching staff for the 2010 season with the addition of new Bears' assistants Wayne Chambers and Gerald Davis.

Chambers, a three-year performer at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops, will coach outside linebackers for the Bears. He replaces John Scott, Jr. who accepted a position at Georgia Southern this spring after one season at MSU.

Davis returns to Missouri State where he played for Allen two of his four seasons with the Bears. He will coach running backs and takes the place of Michael Hunter who returned to the Florida high school coaching ranks this spring after spending three seasons with the Bears.

Chambers served as a graduate assistant coach at Oklahoma in 2008 and 2009 under Stoops, working primarily with defensive backs and the offensive scout team.  The Sooners were a combined 20-7 in those two seasons with an appearance in the BCS Championship game in January 2009 and Sun Bowl appearance last season.

He also helped OU to a 36-5 record in three seasons as a player. From 2002-03, he collected 50 total tackles, 29 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble caused. He notched a career-high 12 tackles against Missouri and 10 against UCLA.  He missed the 2004 season with an injury and completed his undergraduate years working as a student assistant coach as part of the linebacker coaching unit.

"I am happy for Wayne and believe he'll be successful in his new role," said Stoops. He has a good understanding of the defensive principles we employ at Oklahoma and the ability to communicate clearly. Wayne had a positive influence here and I think that will be true at Missouri State too."

Chambers was considered one of the top 15 inside linebackers in the nation out of high school, and Allen says his experience and talent will be an ideal match for his role with the Bears when he arrives in Springfield on July 6.

"Wayne will be perfect for us, and we are a perfect fit for him," Allen said. "He is originally from Grandview, Mo., and brings a winning background with him to our program."

Davis, a native of St. Louis, Mo., was a four-year letterman for the Bears from 2004-07. He rushed for a team-best 830 yards on 156 carries as a senior and broke Missouri State season records for touchdowns (19) and points (114) in that campaign. He guided the Bears to a 6-5 record in 2007 and was named honorable mention All-MVFC after earning the team's Most Valuable Player Award.

The Pattonville High product notched a school record five rushing touchdowns against Indiana State (Oct. 27, 2007) and claimed Coors Player of the Year honors as a senior co-captain. He also had two 100-yard rushing games as a senior, including a career-high 123-yard effort against Illinois State (Oct. 6, 2007).

"It is great to hire a former player," Allen said. "Gerald will have instant respect from our current players due to his success in our program when he played here. We are very excited to have him back."

Davis has been away from football the past two years after completing his degree from Missouri State in 2008.

Allen begins his fifth season as the Bears' head coach, and the remainder of his staff remains in place for the upcoming campaign. Missouri State opens the 2010 season at Plaster Field on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. against Eastern Kentucky. Season ticket information is available now by calling (417) 836-7678.

Both assistant coaching positions are subject to final approval by the Missouri State Board of Governors at its next scheduled meeting on July 30.