Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton announced Feb. 2nd, 2026, the hiring of two new assistant coaches.
The Eagles have added football veteran Erik Campbell as wide receivers coach and emerging defensive specialist Zac Sias as coach of defensive tackles. In a move that bolsters the program's leadership heading into the 2026 season, these hires together represent a strategic blend of nearly four decades of championship experience and defensive expertise.
Erik “Soup” Campbell: Receiver room royalty
With over 37 years of coaching experience, 18 seasons spent in the Big Ten Conference and two seasons in the Canadian Football League, Erik Campbell, also known as “Soup” to those in the football world, will infuse the EMU sidelines with years of expertise.
Campbell is no stranger to the biggest stage. During his twelve-year tenure at the University of Michigan from 1995 to 2007, he was a key architect of the 1997 national championship and set an NCAA record by coaching eight consecutive seasons with a 1,000-yard receiver.
"I am excited to announce Coach Erik Soup Campbell as our wide receivers coach," Creighton said in a statement. "He has a ton of experience, knows the MAC, and has a great group to work with."
Campbell’s expertise is evident in the stars he has produced. The list includes Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, NFL studs Braylon Edwards, Amani Toomer and Mario Manningham.
Prior to joining Creighton's staff at EMU, Campbell spent the 2025 season at his alma mater, the University of Michigan, as an assistant wide receivers coach. As Creighton mentioned, Campbell is no stranger to the Mid-American Conference, spending 2019-24 at Bowling Green State University, where he coached All-MAC performer Odieu Hiliare.
Campbell's playing days, like his coaching career, were also extremely successful. Campbell played at U-M from 1984-87. During his tenure, he started 30 games, including his last 25 straight, while also becoming the only player in U-M football history to start at all four secondary positions in a single season. Campbell was a standout defensive back, competing in four bowl games, including the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl.
Off the football field, Erik Campbell is known for his significant humanitarian and community leadership. The Gary, Ind. chapter of the NAACP granted Campbell the Benjamin Hooks Award in 2010, recognizing his commitment to promoting equal opportunity through policy and program leadership. Campbell's dedication to humanitarian works is further demonstrated in his relationship with the Cancer Center at the University of Michigan, where he organized initiatives that have raised over $1 million.
Zac Sias: Strengthening the defensive front
While Campbell evidently brings veteran wisdom, the addition of Zac Sias brings the energy of a rising coach who has successfully coached at multiple levels of the collegiate game. Sias last coached at the University of Kansas, where he spent two seasons as the assistant linebackers coach in 2024.
"Coach Sias came highly recommended and absolutely crushed his interview," Creighton said in a statement. "He is a great fit for our program on and off the field."
Sias started his playing career at Hinds Community College, where he earned an associate of arts degree. He then transferred to Mississippi Valley State University, where he was a two-year starter earning Offensive Lineman of the Year honors. Sias, a dedicated scholar who also holds a Master’s degree in teaching from MVSU, was also awarded Academic All-SWAC recognition in both his junior and senior years.
Before Ypsilanti, Sias spent time at Arkansas State University as a graduate assistant and also served a tenure at Mississippi Delta Community College as defensive line coach. In 2023, at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, he gained professional-level exposure serving as an intern in Los Angeles.
"I am super excited to be a part of this family and to lead and impact these men," Sias said in a statement about his new role.
2026 forward focus
Combining nearly four decades of experience and fresh defensive insight, Campbell and Sias' appointments aim to elevate both EMU’s offensive and defensive units ahead of the 2026 season. Their hiring sends the message to Eagle fans that the team is investing in the staff necessary to compete for championships in the MAC and beyond.
