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Adefensive coordinator (DC) is acoach responsible for agridiron football team'sdefense. Generally, the defensive coordinator,offensive coordinator andspecial teams coordinator represent the second level of a team's coaching structure, with thehead coach being the first level.
The primary role of the defensive coordinator is managing the roster of defensive players, overseeing the assistant coaches, developing thedefensive game plan, andcalling plays for the defense during the game (though some defensive-minded head coaches may hold play-calling duties instead). Severalposition coaches work under the defensive coordinator, includingdefensive line,linebacker, anddefensive 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 therecruitment 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 theNational Hockey League, working for theNashville Predators from 2013 to 2017,[2] theArizona Coyotes from 2019 to 2022,[3] and theNew York Rangers from 2023 to 2025.[4]
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