ABILENE, TX – For the first time in the history of the McMurry University football, a War Hawk is headed to the Super Bowl. When the Seattle Seahawks take the field for Super Bowl LX, McMurry University alumnus Karl Scott '07 will be patrolling the sidelines, making history for the War Hawks' athletic program.
Scott currently serves as the Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach for the Seahawks, helping lead one of the top defensive units in the league. While McMurry has had alumni go on to play in the NFL, such as Dick Compton (1962-1968) and Ernie Park (1963-1969), Scott's appearance at Super Bowl LX marks the first time a War Hawk has appeared in the NFL's biggest game as either a player or a coach.
Where it All Began
Reflecting on the milestone, Scott expressed a deep connection to his alma mater. "It's very honoring," Scott said. "Kind of feel responsible, sense of responsibility as far as representing my roots, representing my origin".
He credited his time in Abilene for giving him the confidence to pursue a professional career, noting that if he hadn't made the six-hour commute from Houston to McMurry, his journey wouldn't have been possible. "I still think to this day... it all goes back to McMurry and the beginning," he added.
Before Scott was calling defensive schemes in the NFL, he was a standout defensive back for the War Hawks from 2003 to 2006. A four-year letterman, Scott famously tied a school record with three interceptions in a single game against Sul Ross State in 2003.
The Road to Santa Clara
Since graduating in 2007, Scott has built an impressive resume across both college and the NFL:
- Delta State University (2007): Graduate Assistant
- Tusculum College (2008-2011): Defensive Backs Coach
- Southeastern Louisiana University (2012-2014): Linebackers Coach, and Defensive Coordinator (2014)
- Louisiana Tech University (2015): Defensive Backs Coach
- Texas Tech University (2016-2017): Defensive Backs Coach
- University of Alabama (2018–2020): Defensive Backs Coach under Nick Saban contributing to the 2020 National Championship.
- Minnesota Vikings (2021): Defensive Backs Coach
- Seattle Seahawks (2022–Present): Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach
Now, as Scott prepares to face the New England Patriots this Sunday, he hopes his journey serves as a blueprint for current and future War Hawks.
"In the truest form, I guess you can say I'm a little bit of proof," Scott said. "I hope it's an inspiration to let it be known that anything in front of you is possible. The first thing on the agenda is having a McMurry alum winning the Super Bowl."
A Special Legacy
For Scott, McMurry is more than where his career began, it is also where he met his wife, Taryn, a former War Hawk track athlete. He views his success as a message to the students on campus today.
"I hope it's an inspiration to let it be known that anything in front of you is possible," Scott said. "I'm living proof of that and proud to say that, you know, 14th and Sayles is a special place".
In 2024, Scott received McMurry University's Young Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing his professional achievements and continued connection to the university.
The Big Game
Super Bowl LX kicks off this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Levi's Stadium, where the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots on the NFL's grandest stage.
