A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on an American football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach. The defensive coordinator is generally in charge of managing all defensive players and assistant coaches, of developing a general defensive game plan, and of calling the plays for the defense during the game. At higher levels of football (college and professional), the defensive coordinator typically has a number of assistant coaches working under him; usually coaches primarily responsible for the various defensive positions on the team (such defensive line, linebackers, or defensive backs).
Noted current and former NFL defensive coordinators
- Bill Belichick*, 1985–1990 New York Giants
- Tony Dungy*, 1984–1988 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1992–1995 Minnesota Vikings
- Jim Johnson 1994–1997 Indianapolis Colts, 1998 Seattle Seahawks, 1999–2008 Philadelphia Eagles
- Monte Kiffin, 1995–2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009–Present Tennessee Volunteers
- Tom Landry*, 1956–1959 New York Giants
- Bill Parcells*, 1979–1983 New York Giants
- Dick LeBeau*, 1992–1996. 2004–present Pittsburgh Steelers
- Buddy Ryan*, 1976–1977 Minnesota Vikings, 1978–1985 Chicago Bears, 1993 Houston Oilers
- Lovie Smith*, 2001–2003 St. Louis Rams
- Marty Schottenheimer*, 1977–1979 New York Giants, 1980–1984 Cleveland Browns
Note: Defensive coordinators marked with a * served as head coaches at some point during their career
See also
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