Steve Russ

American football player and coach (born 1972) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Steve Russ (born September 16, 1972)[1] is an American football coach and former professional linebacker who is the defensive coordinator for the Air Force Falcons football team. He played college football as a linebacker for Air Force before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL draft.[2] He also played for the Los Angeles Xtreme in the original XFL and has been a coach since 2001.

Born (1972-09-16) September 16, 1972 (age 53)
Stetsonville, Wisconsin, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight245 lb (111 kg)
Quick facts Air Force Falcons, Title ...
Steve Russ
Air Force Falcons
TitleDefensive coordinator
Personal information
Born (1972-09-16) September 16, 1972 (age 53)
Stetsonville, Wisconsin, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
High schoolMedford (WI)
CollegeAir Force
NFL draft1995: 7th round, 218th overall pick
Career history
Playing
Coaching
  • Ohio (2001)
    Outside linebackers coach
  • Ohio (2002–2003)
    Inside linebackers coach
  • Ohio (2004)
    Special teams/inside linebackers coach
  • Syracuse (2005–2006)
    Linebackers coach
  • Syracuse (2007)
    Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach
  • Wake Forest (2008–2009)
    Tight ends coach
  • Wake Forest (2010)
    Linebackers coach
  • Wake Forest (2011)
    Defensive backs coach
  • Air Force (2012)
    Assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator/defensive back coach
  • Air Force (2013)
    Assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach
  • Air Force (2014–2017)
    Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach
  • Carolina Panthers (20182019)
    Linebackers coach
  • Washington Football Team / Commanders (20202023)
    Linebackers coach
  • Air Force (2024)
    Special assistant to the head coach
  • UAB (2025)
    Defensive coordinator
  • Air Force (2026–present)
    Defensive coordinator
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Tackles6
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Close

Coaching career

Carolina Panthers

In January 2018, Russ was hired by the Carolina Panthers as their linebackers coach under head coach Ron Rivera.[3] Following the hiring of new head coach Matt Rhule in January 2020, Russ was not retained by the Panthers.

Washington Football Team / Commanders

In January 2020, Russ was hired again by Rivera to be the linebackers coach for the Washington Football Team, then known as the Washington Redskins.[4] He held the role for four seasons, but was fired upon the hiring of new head coach Dan Quinn.

Air Force

Russ was hired as a special assistant to the head coach for Air Force for the 2024 season, returning to his alma mater, where he also coached in various defensive roles from 2012 to 2017, including defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.[5]

UAB

Russ was announced as the new defensive coordinator for UAB on December 20, 2024.[6]

References

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