Football Linebacker Coach
What is a Linebacker Coach in Football?
A linebacker coach in football is in charge of all linebackers on the team. Linebackers are a part of the defensive team and train in different ways than the offensive players and quarterbacks. Since linebackers are some of the strongest players on the team, a lot of their coaching comes down to building muscular strength so that they can take down opponents.
Linebacker Coach Roles and Responsibilities
The main responsibility of a linebacker coach is to create a strong defensive line. He coaches the players on different defensive formations and trains them throughout each preseason and regular season. They tackle offensive members and also provide offensive assistance where needed. Linebackers are very versatile, so linebacker coaches have to pay attention to each given play.
Types of training for linebackers can vary based on the needs of each player. Linebacker coaches can run drill after drill on the field, focus on particular areas like stance and footwork, and even assist with training in the gym. Field drills often include tackling exercises and blitz practice, with a special focus on tackling the quarterback.
Linebacker Coach Salary
The average salary for a linebacker coach in the NFL is $350,000 per year. The most experienced and sought-after NFL linebacker coaches command even more, with the highest earners making upwards of $700,000 per year. In college football, the average salary is much lower, at around $40,000. However, the highest-paid college linebacker coaches make over $1 million per year, topping the highest salaries in the NFL.
Notable NFL Linebacker Coaches
- Zach Orr (Baltimore Ravens)
- Billy Davis (Arizona Cardinals)
- Bobby King (Tennessee Titans)
- James Bettcher (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Dave Borgonzi (Chicago Bears)
- Peter Hanson (Denver Broncos)