Defensive coordinator
A defensive coordinator (DC) is a coach responsible for a gridiron football team's defense. Generally, the defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator and special teams coordinator represent the second level of a team's coaching structure, with the head coach being the first level. The primary role of the defensive coordinator is managing the roster of defensive players, overseeing the assistant coaches, developing the defensive game plan, and calling plays for the defense during the game (though some defensive-minded head coaches may hold play-calling duties instead). Several position coaches work under the defensive coordinator, including defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back coaches. While the job of a defensive coordinator is largely similar at the collegiate and professional level, college coaches are more involved in the recruitment process. A successful defensive coordinator is often a stepping stone to the position of head coach. Other major sports with strong delineation between offensive and defensive positions use similar coaching positions. For example, Phil Housley is a defensive coordinator in the National Hockey League, working for the Nashville Predators from 2013 to 2017, the Arizona Coyotes from 2019 to 2022, and the New York Rangers from 2023 to 2025.
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A defensive coordinator (DC) is a coach responsible for a gridiron football team's defense. Generally, the defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator and special teams coordinator represent the second level of a team's coaching structure, with the head coach being the first level.
The primary role of the defensive coordinator is managing the roster of defensive players, overseeing the assistant coaches, developing the defensive game plan, and calling plays for the defense during the game (though some defensive-minded head coaches may hold play-calling duties instead). Several position coaches work under the defensive coordinator, including defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back coaches.[1]
While the job of a defensive coordinator is largely similar at the collegiate and professional level, college coaches are more involved in the recruitment process. A successful defensive coordinator is often a stepping stone to the position of head coach.
Other major sports with strong delineation between offensive and defensive positions use similar coaching positions. For example, Phil Housley is a defensive coordinator in the National Hockey League, working for the Nashville Predators from 2013 to 2017,[2] the Arizona Coyotes from 2019 to 2022,[3] and the New York Rangers from 2023 to 2025.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The Coaching Staff in American Football," Dummies.com. Retrieved: 6 October 2014.
- ^ Bove, Matt (June 15, 2017). "Bove: Housley – the perfect fit for the Sabres". WKBW. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
- ^ Hoppe, Bill (October 28, 2019). "Phil Housley happy for Sabres' success, doesn't want to dwell on past". Buffalo Hockey Beat.
- ^ "Rangers Announce Coaching Changes". New York Rangers, National Hockey League. April 19, 2025.
Further reading
[edit]- Brooks, Bucky. "Wade Phillips, Vic Fangio among top 10 defensive coordinators". NFL.com. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
- Kenyon, David. "10 Best Defensive Coordinators in College Football". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
- Collins, Geoff (4 August 2011). "Interview with Geoff Collins/Co-Defensive Coordinator Mississippi State". www.jobshadow.com. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
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