Cory Stone facts for kids

Cory Stone (born March 6, 1972) is an American gridiron football coach and former player. He is known for his work as a defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Since 2022, he has coached for Central State University.

Stone also worked as an assistant coach for the Toronto Argonauts. This team plays in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He helped the Argonauts win the 100th Grey Cup in 2012. Before coaching, Stone played college football at the University of Tennessee. He also played professionally in the Arena Football League.

Early Life and High School Football

Cory Stone grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. He played high school football there. He graduated from Central High School.

College Football Career

Stone attended the University of Tennessee. He played college football there from 1992 to 1994. He was a key player as a defensive end and defensive tackle. During his time, he played in several important bowl games. These included the 1993 Hall of Fame Bowl, the 1994 Florida Citrus Bowl, and the 1994 Gator Bowl.

Professional Playing Career

After college, Cory Stone played professional football. He played in the Arena Football League. His professional playing career lasted from 1996 to 2005.

Coaching Career Highlights

Cory Stone has had a long and successful coaching career. He has coached at different levels of football. This includes the Arena Football League, college, and the CFL.

Coaching in the Arena Football League

Stone started his professional coaching career in 2006.

Bakersfield Blitz

His first coaching job was with the Bakersfield Blitz. He was their defensive line coach. He helped Jerry Turner become the AFL2 Defensive Lineman of the Year. The Blitz defensive line was very strong. Three of their players were among the top ten in the league for sacks.

Rio Grande Valley Dorados

After Bakersfield, Stone joined the Rio Grande Valley Dorados. He worked there for two seasons. He was the associate head coach and defensive coordinator. In 1998, the Dorados had a great season. They won the Southwest Division title with a 15-1 record. Their defense set several AF2 records. They had the most sacks in a season (58). They also had the most sacks in a single game (13). The team even shut out an opponent 64-0.

Milwaukee Iron

In 2009, Stone became the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the Milwaukee Iron. He coached there for one season.

College Coaching Experience

Stone also coached college football for several years.

Clark Atlanta University

He spent two seasons as the defensive line coach for the Clark Atlanta Panthers. Under his coaching, the Panthers' defense was very strong. They ranked second in the nation for tackles for loss (TFLs). They also finished in the top twenty for sacks in both 2010 and 2011. Stone coached defensive lineman Darel Strong. Strong was named to the SIAC all-first team in 2011.

Tuskegee Golden Tigers

From 2019 to 2021, Stone coached the defensive line for the Tuskegee Golden Tigers.

Central State Marauders

Since 2022, Cory Stone has been with Central State University. He serves as both the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the Central State Marauders.

Coaching in the CFL

Stone also coached in the Canadian Football League.

Toronto Argonauts

In 2012, Stone was the defensive line coach for the Toronto Argonauts. He helped the team win the historic 100th Grey Cup. They defeated the Calgary Stampeders in that championship game. Rick Foley was named the Most Outstanding Canadian player in that Grey Cup. Armond Armstead, a defensive tackle, was selected for the CFL East All-Star and CFL All-Star teams. Armstead was the only rookie to make the All-Star teams under Stone's coaching.