David Tolbert joined the WashU Bears coaching staff on February 27, 2024 and begins his second season on the Bears’ sideline.
In 2024, the Bears finished the season 8-2, marking the fewest losses since 2018 and the second time in three seasons with eight wins.
Tolbert came to WashU from Division II Notre Dame College where he coached since July 2022. In his role, he was responsible for coaching the secondary, preparing for and leading defensive back position meetings, scripting 7-on-7 during practice and drawing all passing cards for the scout team.
In his time with the Falcons, opposing teams had 22 passing touchdowns compared to Notre Dame's 34 interceptions in two seasons. In 2022, the Falcons ranked second among Division II teams for interceptions, first for defensive touchdowns (six), first for pass efficiency defense (86.73) and ninth for third down defense (27 percent). In 2023, the Falcons ranked 20th for third down defense (30 percent).
He mentored four all-conference defensive backs during his tenure with the Falcons as well as two all-region honorees and one All-American.
Prior to his time at Notre Dame, he spent six months as a graduate assistant and defensive backs coach at Division II Shippensburg University. There, he was responsible for coaching the entire seconding, leading defensive back position meetings, personnel and scheme for kickoff and tagging film for the defensive side of the ball.
From July to December 2021, Tolbert was a cornerbacks coach/co-special teams coordinator/film coordinator for NAIA Montana State-Northern.
Tolbert was a three-year starter at the University of San Diego and a four-year letterwinner. During that time, the team posted a 32-0 conference record and went to the playoffs four times. In 2016 and 2017, the team was part of the first FCS playoff wins in school history.
During his career, he recorded nine interceptions, 37 passes defended, three forced fumbles and a 12.2 punt return average. He was a first team all-conference selection as a senior ad led the conference in interceptions (six) and passes defended (15).
Update July 2025
