Derry Pinkston is entering his sixth year as a member of the Savannah State University football coaching staff. This year he will make the shift from running back coach to offensive analyst.
A native of Savannah, Georgia, Pinkston attended Memorial Day School, where he was a member of the Matadors football team, playing linebacker and running back. He was also a member of the Memorial Day 2017 GISA state championship football team. After high school, he attended Savannah State and was a member of the Tigers football team as a tight end and long snapper from 2019-22. It was as a student-athlete where he developed both his passion for football and his commitment to leadership through athletics.Â
Following his playing career, Pinkston began his coaching journey with a dedication to mentoring and developing student-athletes.Â
In 2022, he started his coaching career at SSU, working with tight ends, where he focused on fundamentals, discipline, and positional excellence. As his coaching experience expanded, he transitioned to coaching running backs, continuing to emphasize football intelligence, work ethic, and player development. Pinkston remains committed to shaping athletes both on and off the field through strong leadership and a deep understanding of the game.
Pinkston received his Associate of Arts degree from Savannah State in December 2025 and is currently working on his bachelor's degree in mass communications.
