Defensive coordinator

A defensive coordinator is a coach responsible for a gridiron football (American football) team's defense. Generally, the defensive coordinator, the offensive coordinator and the 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. The defensive coordinator typically manages multiple position coaches, each of whom are responsible for various defensive positions on the team (such as the defensive line, linebackers, or defensive backs).

Defensive coordinator Richard Smith with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015

While the job of 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 currently the New York Rangers since 2023.

See also

• List of current National Football League defensive coordinators

Further reading

• 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.