Caton replaces Mark Hill, who left the program Jan. 5 to take a job at Kentucky.
Caton spent the past four seasons as director of football for athletic performance at Baylor. The Bears went 40-12 during his time there.
“Keith’s skill set and personality are a perfect fit for us,” IU Coach Kevin Wilson said. “Studying the Baylor program from afar, their style of play and player development has been remarkable and we wanted to target someone with that pedigree. We found that in Keith.
“He is a dynamic leader with great ideas, tremendous energy and a strong coaching background.”
Wilson often talks about recruiting body types that can develop. That is where the strength and conditioning staff comes in.
“This position is one of the most critical within a football program, and we are very confident in Keith leading our athletic performance,” Wilson said. “We welcome him and his family to IU.”
Caton’s predecessor, Hill, seemed to be beloved by the team. Players declaring for the NFL Draft made sure to thank him.
Running back Jordan Howard, who was at IU for one season, mentioned Hill in a statement he issued when he declared for the draft.
In Caton’s 17 years of experience, he spent time at Western Kentucky, Missouri, Elon, Auburn and Southern Mississippi in addition to Baylor.
He played football at University of Southern Mississippi for four years.
At Baylor, Caton taught a graduate level course as an adjunct professor at the College of Health and Human Sciences.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be a Hoosier and to work for Coach Wilson and his staff,” Caton said.
“The leadership that Coach Wilson has shown has set IU up to be a successful program not only in the Big Ten but nationally. I am truly honored to be a part of Hoosier Nation and cannot wait to get to work.”
Brody Miller
