Defensive Coordinator

East Texas A&M University•Commerce, TX

About The Position

The Defensive Coordinator is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and execution of the football program’s defensive philosophy. This position oversees all aspects of the defensive unit, including game planning, play calling, player development, staff supervision, recruiting, compliance, and program culture. The Defensive Coordinator is a key member of the football leadership team and collaborates closely with the Head Coach, offensive staff, and support units to advance competitive excellence and student-athlete success. ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum of five (5) years of collegiate football coaching experience; Division I experience preferred.
Demonstrated success in defensive scheme development, game planning, and play-calling at the collegiate level.
Proven ability to recruit, evaluate, and develop Division I student-athletes.
Has a strong knowledge of NCAA rules, conference regulations, and institutional compliance standards.
Ability to occasionally move approximately 50 pounds.
Ability to work long hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extensive travel.
Supervising and mentoring coaching staff, graduate assistants, and support personnel.
Having strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Division I Coordinator Experience.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and oversee the football program’s defensive philosophy and scheme.
Develop weekly opponent-specific game plans and call defensive plays during competition.
Conduct detailed film study, opponent breakdowns, and self-scouting analysis.
Analyze player performance data, tendencies, and efficiency metrics.
Plan, script, and lead daily defensive practices, meetings, and installations.
Coordinate defensive staff meetings, install schedules, and practice structure.
Oversee position coaches and graduate assistants, including mentoring, evaluations, and workflow coordination.
Work closely with strength & conditioning, sports performance, athletic training, and sports science staff.
Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes.
Conduct recruiting communications and help manage official and unofficial visits.
Build and maintain relationships with high school, junior college, and recruiting service contacts.
Ensure full compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.
Complete required recruiting, evaluation, travel, and compliance documentation.
Participate in compliance education, staff development, and institutional training.
Promote academic success, leadership, accountability, and student-athlete well-being.
Shift focus during the off-season to recruiting, self-scouting, scheme evaluation, roster planning, and professional development.

Benefits

Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.
Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.
Academic Excellence: ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.
Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.
Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.
Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.