The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Dilfer Tabs Steve Russ as New Defensive Coordinator
12/20/2024 10:55:00 AM | Football
BIRMINGHAM – Head Coach Trent Dilfer has named veteran coach and two-time Super Bowl champion Steve Russ as the new Defensive Coordinator of the UAB football program.
Russ comes to Birmingham after most recently serving one season as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach at his alma mater, Air Force. Prior to rejoining Air Force, Russ spent six years coaching linebackers in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers (2018-19) and the Washington Commanders (2020-23).
In 2024, Air Force finished 42nd nationally in total defense 51st in scoring defense. Under Russ' direction, the Falcons held seven of their 12 opponents to 21 points or less.
"I'm so excited, humbled, and honored to be joining Coach Dilfer, UAB Football, and Blazer Nation as the defensive coordinator," Russ said. "I truly believe we are a sleeping giant that is on the cusp of greatness. It's going to take a ton of hard work, collaboration, and belief in the process to make it happen, but I know all of us are up to the challenge. I can't wait to get started!"
Before making the jump to the NFL, Russ was the Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at Air Force from 2012-17. He was the co-defensive coordinator in 2012 and 2013, and served as the lone DC in his final four years, which included two 10-win seasons and two top 35 defenses.
Russ coached tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs at Wake Forest from 2008-11 and was at Syracuse prior to that from 2005-07, which included the DC role for the Orange in 2007. He got his first full-time coaching position at Ohio University where he was from 2001-04.
"Steve is a tremendous coach, husband and father, and he will make an immediate impact at UAB both for our student-athletes and the entire institution," Dilfer said. "He has extensive experience at the highest level as a player and coach, and his knowledge will elevate our defense and entire program."
Russ was selected in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Following two years of active service in the military, Russ joined the Broncos in 1997 and won back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in 1997 and 1998. He played with the Broncos until 2000 and then spent one season in the XFL before starting his coaching career.
As a player at Air Force, Russ was named a Second Team All-WAC performer in 1994 and was selected to play in the Blue-Gray All-Star game and the East-West Shrine Bowl. He earned Air Force's Brian Bullard Award, which is the program's highest honor, and he is just one of seven players from Air Force to be selected in the NFL Draft.
Russ is a native of Stetsonville, Wis., and he and his wife Betsy have two children, Mackenzie and Tyler. Mackenzie just concluded her career as a member of the Air Force volleyball team.
Russ comes to Birmingham after most recently serving one season as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach at his alma mater, Air Force. Prior to rejoining Air Force, Russ spent six years coaching linebackers in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers (2018-19) and the Washington Commanders (2020-23).
In 2024, Air Force finished 42nd nationally in total defense 51st in scoring defense. Under Russ' direction, the Falcons held seven of their 12 opponents to 21 points or less.
"I'm so excited, humbled, and honored to be joining Coach Dilfer, UAB Football, and Blazer Nation as the defensive coordinator," Russ said. "I truly believe we are a sleeping giant that is on the cusp of greatness. It's going to take a ton of hard work, collaboration, and belief in the process to make it happen, but I know all of us are up to the challenge. I can't wait to get started!"
Before making the jump to the NFL, Russ was the Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at Air Force from 2012-17. He was the co-defensive coordinator in 2012 and 2013, and served as the lone DC in his final four years, which included two 10-win seasons and two top 35 defenses.
Russ coached tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs at Wake Forest from 2008-11 and was at Syracuse prior to that from 2005-07, which included the DC role for the Orange in 2007. He got his first full-time coaching position at Ohio University where he was from 2001-04.
"Steve is a tremendous coach, husband and father, and he will make an immediate impact at UAB both for our student-athletes and the entire institution," Dilfer said. "He has extensive experience at the highest level as a player and coach, and his knowledge will elevate our defense and entire program."
Russ was selected in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Following two years of active service in the military, Russ joined the Broncos in 1997 and won back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in 1997 and 1998. He played with the Broncos until 2000 and then spent one season in the XFL before starting his coaching career.
As a player at Air Force, Russ was named a Second Team All-WAC performer in 1994 and was selected to play in the Blue-Gray All-Star game and the East-West Shrine Bowl. He earned Air Force's Brian Bullard Award, which is the program's highest honor, and he is just one of seven players from Air Force to be selected in the NFL Draft.
Russ is a native of Stetsonville, Wis., and he and his wife Betsy have two children, Mackenzie and Tyler. Mackenzie just concluded her career as a member of the Air Force volleyball team.
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