Vanderbilt Commodores to promote Arion Shinaver to nickels coach

The Vanderbilt Commodores are set to promote Arion Shinaver to the role of nickelback coach. Shinaver, who joined Vanderbilt in 2022, has progressed through various roles, including scouting assistant, defensive intern, and graduate assistant, focusing on linebackers. In 2024, he became the assistant safeties coach, a position he maintained through 2025. Under his guidance, safeties CJ Heard, Randon Fontenette, and Marien Sewell were among the top tacklers for the team last season. Shinaver's coaching experience also includes participating in the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Las Vegas Raiders. He will succeed Jimmy Thompson, who recently accepted a position with the Los Angeles Chargers. Shinaver's promotion is part of Vanderbilt's strategy to maintain continuity within its coaching staff.