Mike Compton is entering his second season as an Assistant Football Coach at Emory & Henry University, focusing on the offensive line and also acting as recruiting coordinator. Prior to arriving at Emory & Henry, Compton spent eight seasons at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. While at UVA Wise, Compton served as the assistant head coach/offensive line coach and Interim Head Coach. Compton has produced a trio of offensive linemen earning all-conference accolades during his tenure at UVA Wise. Prior to his stint at UVA Wise he spent the 2015 season at Concord University and previously spent two seasons each at Fairmont State University and Bluefield College directing the offensive line. 

Compton spent three seasons as the head coach at Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring. He started his coaching career at Tazewell High School where he worked from 2006-08 as an assistant coach on the offensive and defensive lines.

Compton was a standout offensive lineman at West Virginia University from 1989-92. He was a three-year starter at center and was a consensus All-America selection (United Press International, Kodak, Walter Camp, Playboy, Football News, Associated Press, Scripps Howard, The Sporting News) as a senior in 1992. Following his senior season, he was selected to play in the Blue-Gray and Kodak Hula Bowl and was given the NCAA's Top 6 Award. He was a two-time All-BIG EAST selection and was also recognized for his academic excellence as a two-time first-team GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree. Compton was given the Ira E. Rogers Award in 1991 and 1992, and was named the "Red" Brown Cup Award as the top male athlete at WVU in 1992. He was inducted into the WVU Hall of Fame in 2005.

Compton was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round (68th overall pick) in 1993. He spent his first eight seasons with the Lions, which included blocking for Barry Sanders during his 2,053-yard rushing season in 1997. He then spent three seasons with the New England Patriots from 2001-04 and was a member of two Super Bowl winning teams in 2001 and 2003. He finished his 12-year NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2005.

A native of Richlands, Virginia, Compton was inducted into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame in 2021. Compton earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health Education at West Virginia University. Compton is married to Letonya Altizer-Compton. Compton is the father of three children, Jessica, Josh and Sarah, and grandfather to one grandson, Levi.

-7/31/2025