Top 10 defensive Coordinators in College Football

This is a list of college football defensive coordinators who are arguably in the top 10 They consistently have good units that perform at high level. There are some good ones not on the list who may have a great defense 1 year, but this list is one that includes a body of work over time.

10 Kurt mattix- San Diego State

The 2020 Broyles award finalist has had a nice run at San Diego State. They gave up 17 points a game that year.

In 2021, Mattix coached a defense that continued to shine on the national stage, as SDSU finished third in rushing defense (80.3) and tied for fifth in passes intercepted (17). In addition, the Scarlet and Black ranked 12th in the country in total defense (324.4), 13th in pass efficiency defense (118.01) and 17th in scoring defense (19.8).
This past year the unit was strong finishing top 20 in several categories.

9 Mike Tressel, Cincinatti

Why he was demoted at Michigan State I will never understand. A great coordinator and one that took the Cincinatti defense to another level in 2021 & 2022. Won’t be surprised if he goes back to playing with 4 hands down after playing his odd scheme at Cincinatti. Were ranked 19th in scoring defense in 2022 at Cincinatti and #8 in scoring defense in 2023.

8 Don Brown, UMass(Michigan)

Don Brown had great defenses at Michigan and his units seem to always improve no matter where he goes. Although he is a head coach, he still has my respect as one of the great defensive minds in football. While at Michigan, the Wolverines finished among the top-12 units in the nation in total defense from 2016-2019, which included a No. 1 ranking. Under Brown's watch, the Wolverines led the country in pass defense twice, once in 2016 again in 2017. Michigan made 16 top-25 appearances in total defense, scoring defense, rush defense, and pass defense during the 2016-2019 campaign under Coach Brown

7 Dave Aranda Baylor

A very well known coach in the profession. Had a very solid defense at Baylor and LSU. One of the brightest defensive minds in football that as a head coach is still heavily involved defensively. In six seasons as a defensive coordinator at a Power 5 Conference school, Aranda’s defenses ranked in the Top 12 nationally in total yards five times. His defenses also ranked among the top 10 in scoring four of his final seven years. Since taking over as the defensive coordinator at Utah State in 2014 through his last season at LSU in 2019, Aranda’s defenses allowed a touchdown or less in 48 of 108 games. Impressive

6 Morgan Scalley, Utah

Former Utah All-American safety was a Broyles Award finalist in 2019, when the Utes led the Pac-12 in scoring defense (15.0 points per game). They’ve stayed in the top 3 the past 2 seasons. His game plan in the Pac 12 Championship game was phenomenal and instrumental in winning the championship game. A great coach and one of the best in college football.

5 Tony Gibson, NC State

A longtime college assistant, his 2nd season as DC at NC State in 2021 finished with the No. 14-ranked scoring defense in the nation, and a unit that led the ACC with 15 INTs. In 2022 and 2023, they have been a top 20 defense in scoring defense. One of the best at running the 3-3 stack.

4 Joe Rossi, Minnesota

The past 2 seasons his unit has been outstanding. 3rd in the country in scoring defense in 2022 and #5 in scoring defense in 2021.

3 Phil Parker, Iowa

The longtime Hawkeyes DC might have had his most complete defense at Iowa in 2021, finishing 13th nationally in scoring defense, forcing 30 turnovers (nation-leading 25 INTs) and scoring 4 defensive touchdowns. #3 in scoring defense in 2022 and always seemto be near the top every year.

2 Brent Venables, Oklahoma(Clemson DC)

2021 #2 in the country allowing 15 points per game.  8th in rushing defense allowing 97 yards per game.  2020  They were ranked 3rd overall and #2 in points allowed at 15 per game.  5th in sack rate at 3.8 sacks per game. 2019 #1 defense in the country and  ranked second nationally in scoring defense (15.0 ppg), red zone defense (62.1 conversion percentage), fourth in sacks (3.4 per game), eighth in rushing defense (98.8 ypg) and ninth in total defense (308.4 ypg) In 2018, Clemson led the country in scoring defense (13.1 points per game) for the first time in school history in 2018. Ranked fourth in rushing defense (96.3 yards per game), fifth in total defense (285.9 yards per game). Unit set a school record with 54 sacks in 2018, the third-most by any FBS team in a season since 2000

1 Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin

In 5 seasons at Madison, Leonhard’s defenses have finished 3rd, 34th, 10th, 9th and 4th in the nation. As impressive: They’ve forced 112 turnovers. Curious as to why he isn’t a head coach and In Leonhard's five seasons as defensive coordinator, UW has ranked among the nation's top five in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense four times. During that time, the Badgers rank third in scoring defense (17.3 points per game), first in total yards allowed (284.8 yards per game), first in pass efficiency defense (110.5), third in rushing defense (103.4 ypg) and first in opponents' third down conversions (30.5%). Wisconsin has forced 112 turnovers over that span, tied for fourth-most among Power Five Conference teams. A great coach who I expect to be on a college sideline as a head coach or defensive coordinator in 2024.