NASHVILLE (AP) — Vanderbilt has hired former Alabama defensive back and NFL scout Gerald "Smoke" Dixon as director of scouting.

Coach Clark Lea announced the hiring Wednesday.

A four-year starting cornerback at Alabama, Dixon most recently worked with the XFL's D.C. Defenders in a three-man personnel staff. The Defenders started 3-2 before the XFL suspended operations because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dixon was a pro scout for the NFL's Buffalo Bills for four years. He worked at The Citadel between 2008 and 2013. He started his coaching career in 2007 at Coral Park Miami Senior High School coaching defensive backs and as special teams coordinator.

He was with Detroit as a free agent and then Buffalo. He played in NFL Europe and in the CFL with Edmonton from 2005 to 2007.

He also announced that Andrea Cain, who has been at Vanderbilt since 1990, will work in recruiting relations, Erica Duane will be graphic designer and Taylor Searels will be the on-campus recruiting coordinator.

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