Miami Gardens, Fla. – Looking to add National Championship experience to his coaching staff, St. Thomas University Football Head Coach Drew Davis announced the hiring of Mickey O'Rourke as the Bobcats new Defensive Coordinator.

O'Rourke brings a history of success to the Gardens, being on the staff of 10 Conference Championship teams and two National Champions.

"We're excited to welcome Mickey O'Rourke to the Bobcat family," Davis said. "He brings tremendous defensive knowledge, energy, and a proven ability to develop players. His leadership and passion for the game will have a major impact on our defense and our entire program."

No stranger to South Florida, O'Rourke joins the Bobcats from Keiser University. Starting as the Defensive Backs and Academic Coordinator and moving up to the Linebackers and Pass Game/Co-Special Teams & Academic Coordinator, O'Rourke was part of the last four National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championships going 2-2. Over his time at Keiser, O'Rourke mentored six All-Americans while propelling Eli Bertland to the Sun Conference Linebacker of the Year this past fall.

Keiser ended the 2025 campaign as the National Runner-Up after ranking fifth in Opponent 3^rd down conversion rate (30%), 6^th in RZ TDs allowed (15), 6^th in RZ scores allowed (19), 8^th in passing yards allowed per game (163.4), ninth in passing yards allowed per attempt (5.7) and 10^th in points allowed per game (16.8).

Gaining his first National Championship experience as a Student Assistant at Florida State during their 2013 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Championship season, O'Rourke added stops at Lincoln High School and Oxbridge Academy as their Defensive Backs Coach where he was a part of four District Championships.

The Bobcats are coming off their third-straight appearance in the NAIA Football Championship Series, ending the fall with a 7-4 record.