Derek Burnett is in his third season as an assistant football coach/cornerbacks coach at Thomas More University during the 2025-26 academic year.
Burnett comes to Thomas More from Campbellsville University where he was the Defensive Coordinator and secondary coach for the last three seasons.
In 2022, Campbellsville's defensive unit made tremendous strides improving across the board in every statical category. Under Burnett's leadership, Campbellsville improved their rushing defense over 100 yards less per game over the last. Campbellsville also saw a decreased in points allowed by over two touchdowns a game.
Campbellsville defense were also ranked 12th in the nation and 2nd in the conference in interceptions. During Burnett's Tenure at CU, the secondary was able to develop a host of All-Conference and All-NCCAA players. He started his coaching career at the Division II level before making his way to the Mid-South Conference in 2020.
His coaching Career started immediately after graduating from KCU in 2017. His Career started in the South Atlantic Conference where he linked back up with his Coaches and Mentors Mike Furry and Larry Blackstone at Limestone College. Coach Burnett was at Limestone College for three years and in his second year took over the entire secondary. The backend was able to force over 30 turnovers and produce multiple standouts.
Burnett Mentored and developed multiple outstanding players. In 2018, all-American Joshua Simmons finished sixth in the nation with 67 solo tackles. Simmons posted 93 tackles, 3 Force fumbles and six interceptions under the leadership of Coach Burnett. Simmons earned DPOY, All-Conference, All-American and was a Hall of Fame Blanchard – Rodgers Award Finalist. Simmons went on to become an NFL prospect and was picked up by the Chicago Bears. In six years, Burnett has developed eight All-Conference guys and three All- Americans.
Burnett, who was a three-year starter at Kentucky Christian University, served as a volunteer assistant coach at Limestone College in 2017. After taking over the secondary full-time in 2018 and 2019, Burnett's defensive backs combined for 20 interceptions, 40 pass break ups and 60 pass defense.
Burnett was recruited to play for the KCU Knights by former Limestone head coach Mike Furrey. He was an All-NCCAA selection after not allowing a passing touchdown over a two-year span.
He graduated in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Biblical Studies from Kentucky Christian University.
