He is the head coach at Lanier County High School in Lakeland, Georgia, a position he has held since 2024.
Dean served as the head football coach at Valdosta State University from 2007 to 2015, compiling a record of 79–27 in nine seasons.
2008 saw the Blazers make it to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs and a 9–3 season, 6–2 in the Gulf South Conference.
After beginning the year unranked, the Blazers rose as high as #7 in the AFCA poll, before finishing the regular season ranked #17.
David Dean is the first football coach in Valdosta State's history to win two national titles.
[6] On January 25, 2017, Dean was named the new head coach of former Gulf South Conference rival West Georgia.
[8] On June 18, 2024, Dean was hired to take over as the head coach of Lanier County High School in Lakeland, Georgia.
[10][11] Dean was also named the 2007 Division II Coach of the Year by American Football Weekly and Schutt Sports.