Steve Russ

Steve Russ 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. He also played for the Los Angeles Xtreme in the original XFL and has been a coach since 2001.

Coaching career

Carolina Panthers

In January 2018, Russ was hired by the Carolina Panthers as their linebackers coach under head coach Ron Rivera. 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. 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.

UAB

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