Aretavious Hendrix enters his fourth season on the East Central University football staff and serves as the Tigers’ Special Teams Coordinator, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, and Defensive Backs Coach.Â
Since joining the ECU staff in 2023, Hendrix has coached 12 All-Conference selections and one All-American, including All-American Brandon Perez. In each of his first two seasons at ECU, Hendrix was part of defensive units that ranked among the top 15 nationally in NCAA Division II in pass defense.
In 2023, Hendrix coached All-Conference safety Jimmy Pitts, who ranked among the top five nationally in NCAA Division II in interceptions. In 2024, he coached All-Conference defensive back T.J. Smith, who also ranked among the top five nationally in interceptions.
Prior to joining the East Central coaching staff, Hendrix spent time at Stephen F. Austin, where he assisted with the wide receivers and helped develop All-American Xavier Gipson.
A native of Starkville, Mississippi, Hendrix also had a successful playing career at Stephen F. Austin. In 2018, he earned All-Southland Conference Honorable Mention honors after starting all 10 games at cornerback. He recorded 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and six pass breakups. Following the season, Hendrix was named SFA Football Team MVP and Male Breakout Athlete of the Year. He appeared in 31 games during his SFA career.
Hendrix began his collegiate playing career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before continuing at Stephen F. Austin.
