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Steve Russ

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Years at Syracuse: 2005-present
College: Air Force '95

     Former Denver Bronco linebacker and Air Force Academy graduate Steve Russ was promoted to defensive coordinator in February 2007 after mentoring Orange linebackers for his first two years with the Orange. He joined the Syracuse program in January 2005 after spending four years on the Ohio University coaching staff.

"Steve has jumped right in to the defensive coordinator role, taking on responsibility and accountability, and with a lot of enthusiasm," said head coach Greg Robinson. "I like the way he is taking command in the room among the coaching staff and with the defense, and, at the same time, he is working well with everybody."
 
     Russ played linebacker for the Broncos from 1995 through 2000 while Robinson was the defensive coordinator. The 1995 seventh-round NFL selection (#218) spent his first two years in the league (1995-96) participating in Denver’s training camp while completing his military commitment. He used his 30-day leave from the Air Force to practice with the Broncos during preseason training camp. He played full seasons for Denver from 1997 through 2000, including with two Super Bowl Championship teams. In 1997 Denver defeated Green Bay, 31-24, in Super Bowl XXXII and in 1998 the Broncos beat Atlanta, 34-19, in Super Bowl XXXIII.

Coaching Experience
• 2007-present        Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Syracuse
• 2005-2006            Linebackers, Syracuse
• 2004                    Inside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator, Ohio University
• 2002-03               Inside Linebackers, Ohio University
• 2001                   Outside Linebackers, Ohio University
• 1995                   Graduate Assistant Strength Coach, Air Force Academy

Coaching Accomplishments
• Syracuse led the BIG EAST in net punting in 2005 and 2006
• In 2006, the Orange ranked ninth in turnover margin (+.92) and tied for 22nd in turnovers gained (28)
• Ohio University led Mid-American Conference in net punting, kick off coverage and pass defense in 2004
• In 2004, Ohio ranked 22nd nationally in total defense

Playing Accomplishments
• Selected in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos after playing at the Air Force Academy
• 1995 East-West Shrine Game
• 1994 Blue-Gray All-Star Game
• 1994 All-Western Athletic Conference Second Team
• 1994 Air Force’s Brian Bullard Award

Championships and Bowl Games as a Player
• 1998 Super Bowl Champions, Denver Broncos
• 1997 Super Bowl Champions, Denver Broncos
• 1992 Liberty Bowl, Air Force
• 1991 Liberty Bowl Champions, Air Force

Personal
• Born September 16, 1972, in Stetsonville, Wis.
• He and his wife, Betsy, reside in Syracuse. They have a daughter, Mackenzie, and a son, Tyler.

Education
• Graduate of Medford Area Senior HS in Medford, Wis., 1991
• Air Force Academy, (management), 1995
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