MOREHEAD, Ky. – Everywhere Paul Cox has coached soccer, he has been a proven winner - a winner in on-the-field results and a winner in leading first-class programs that value community, player development and championship goals.
Now, Cox will transition his winning recipe to the Morehead State Soccer program, where he has been named head coach.
Cox has served the previous four seasons at former Ohio Valley Conference school Murray State, being promoted to Associate Head Coach prior to the 2023 season.
"We are excited to welcome Paul, (wife) Tiffany, (daughter) Frankie, and (son) Archie to Morehead State and the Morehead community," said Director of Athletics Kelly Wells. "Our women's soccer program has a tradition of success competing for championships and developing amazing student-athletes. Our goal was to find a leader who would continue to grow the program in a transformative fashion. Coach Cox is an experienced and accomplished leader and has been involved in successful organizations and programs during his career. His familiarity with the OVC, style of play, commitment to the student-athlete experience, and development-based approach made him the right fit for Morehead State."
At Murray State, Cox helped spearhead the move to the Missouri Valley Conference and guided the Racers to posting a 19-11-8 conference record in his four seasons. In the past two seasons in the MVC, Cox recruited and coached 15 student-athletes who earned all-conference. Overall, 27 student-athletes earned all-conference in the OVC and MVC in his four seasons, including the 2020-21 OVC Defensive Player of the Year. The Racers reached the tournament championship match in their inaugural season in the MVC.
During his time with the Racers, Cox's efforts led to program records for shutouts and improving the team's goals against average from 1.5 down to 0.6 in a short time. Murray State rose to as high as No. 19 in the RPI with Cox on the sidelines.
"I am honored to be named the new Head Soccer Coach at Morehead State University. I want to thank Kelly Wells, (Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator) Kenna Gauche, and the search committee for all their help during the process and making us feel immediately welcomed to the Eagle family," said Cox. "Since leaving the OVC in my previous role with Murray State, it's been great seeing the trajectory of Morehead State Soccer in the OVC. I am looking forward to continuing that trajectory as we look to compete for more OVC championships."
A native of Andover, England, Cox was the head coach at Briar Cliff (Iowa) from 2018-20. Through his three seasons at Briar Cliff, Cox compiled a 30-18-4 record overall that included a 25-10-1 mark against conference opponents. After reaching the conference tournament his first two seasons, Cox guided the program to a league tournament championship in 2020 and was named the Great Plains Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
At Briar Cliff, Cox recruited and coached two NAIA All-Americans, a league Offensive Player of the Year, seven First-Team All-GPAC honorees and a National Player of the Week. In addition, the soccer program led the entire department in honor roll recipients and was awarded United Soccer Coaches Scholar Team all three seasons.
Prior to his tenure at Briar Cliff, Cox was the Director of Coaching for the Blair Football Club in Blair, Neb. Overseeing a coaching staff of 38 members with 19 competitive teams within the club, he was also responsible for obtaining and implementing a world-class curriculum with the club's global partner, Southampton FC.
He started his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater, Midland (Neb.) where he was on staff for the men's and women's programs from 2013-17.
Cox played at Midland from 2008-11, earning all-conference honors in three of his four years. In 2009, he scored the match-winning goal that sent Midland to its first NAIA National Soccer Championship appearance in program history.
Cox earned his bachelor's degree in business management and marketing from Midland and earned a Master's Degree in educational leadership in teaching and learning from Midland as well.
He possesses several coaching certifications, including USSF B License, USC Director of Coaching Diploma, USC Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma, FA Level 1 in Coaching and FA Level 1 in Talent Identification.
"I'd also like to thank (Murray State Head Coach) Matt Lodge, (former Director of Athletics) Kevin Saal, (current Director of Athletics) Nico Yantko, and (Executive Senior Associate AD for Competitive Excellence) Matt Kelly for four wonderful seasons at Murray State," Cox said. "Finally, I would like my wife Tiffany and my children, who without, none of this would be possible."
