TACOMA, Wash. -- The University of Puget Sound announces the hiring of Andrew Chau as Defensive Coordinator for the Loggers.

Most recently, Chau coached defensive backs at Northern Michigan University for the 2025 season before joining Puget Sound. He brings with him over 23 years of coaching experience across Division I, Division III, NAIA, junior college, and high school football. His defenses were known for their discipline, physicality, and exceptional preparation.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Andrew Chau as our new Defensive Coordinator. His proven track record in building strong nationally ranked, detail-oriented defenses and his commitment to developing scholar-athletes both academically and athletically make him a perfect fit for our program. We look forward to the impact he will have on and off the field." - Head Football Coach Jeff Thomas

Prior to his time at Northern Michigan, from 2021 to 2024, Coach Chau was the Defensive Coordinator at Rhodes College. His defenses produced 14 All–Southern Athletic Association selections over four seasons. In 2022, his unit ranked 17th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 16.9 points per game, earning him Region III Defensive Coordinator of the Year honors.

From 2017 to 2019, he served as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Millsaps College. During his tenure, Chau's units led the conference in passing defense in consecutive seasons and produced another 14 All-Southern Athletic Association players, the 2019 SAA Defensive Player of the Year, and an AFCA All-American. Along with multiple other stints, Chau also coached for five seasons at Occidental College, where the Tigers earned multiple conference championships and NCAA playoff appearances. 

"What stood out to me most in our conversations was his attention to detail, his commitment to fundamentals, and his passion for developing student-athletes," said Thomas. "I have tremendous respect for the defenses he has coached, and I am confident he will make an immediate impact on our program. We are very excited to have him leading our defense."

Coach Chau played defensive back at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he graduated in 1989 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He later completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Florida in 1993.