TOWSON, Md. – Towson University head football coach Pete Shinnick has announced two additions to the staff.  Victor Santa Cruz is the new defensive backs coach while Maurice "Moe" Banks joins as chief of staff.
 
Each join the football team for the upcoming 2026 season.  Towson won its final two games of the 2025 season to finish 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the CAA.  It is the sixth time in the last seven fall seasons where Towson has finished .500 or better in league play.
 
Santa Cruz comes to Towson after three years as head coach of JSerra Catholic High, previously being the head coach at Azusa Pacific (APU) from 2006-19.  Santa Cruz was a coordinator for Azusa Pacific under Shinnick from 2001-05, taking the helm of the program when Shinnick left for UNC Pembroke and leading the Cougars to 84 wins and five playoff appearances.  Before JSerra Catholic, he was an assistant coach at the University of Hawaii for two seasons, including defensive coordinator in 2020.
 
Shinnick on Santa Cruz: "I have known Victor for over 25 years; he and I worked together at APU.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our staff.  As a former head coach and coordinator, he understands the needs of our program.  I am really excited that he has joined our staff."
 
Banks arrives on campus after serving as the head football coach at Gettysburg for the last six years.  A Maryland native and graduate of Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Banks has had coaching stops at Penn in 2019 and his alma mater of Georgetown from 2014-18, also coaching in Austria, Brazil, Germany and Italy.  He played professionally as a defensive back in the Arena Football League and in Brazil.
 
Shinnick on Banks: "Excited to have Moe be our first chief of staff for football.  He will be involved with all our day-to-day operations, travel, meals and housing as well as be actively involved in the recruiting process.  Moe has extensive experience in the DMV and will be a very valuable resource for us as we move forward.  As a former head coach and assistant coach, he is a great fit for this role."
 
- TowsonTigers.com –