Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Bob Slowik

Bob Slowik (born May 16, 1954) is an gridiron football coach serving as the for the of the Canadian Football League (CFL). A Pittsburgh native who played at the , Slowik has over four decades of coaching experience across college, the (NFL), and the CFL. Slowik's NFL career spanned 21 seasons from 1992 to 2013, during which he held various defensive roles with multiple teams. He began as a defensive assistant with the in 1992, contributing to their victory that season. Slowik later served as defensive coordinator for the (1993–1998), (1999), (2004), and (2007–2008). In other capacities, he coached defensive backs for the Packers (2000–2003), Broncos (2005–2007), and (2010–2011), as well as linebackers for the Redskins (2012–2013). Under his guidance, six players earned a total of 11 selections, including two Pro Football Hall of Famers: and John Lynch. Transitioning to the CFL in 2018, Slowik joined the Alouettes as a defensive assistant before becoming their in 2019 and 2020, where his unit ranked second in the league for fewest points allowed in 2019. He moved to in 2021 as defensive assistant, advanced to linebackers coach from 2022 to 2024, and assumed the role in 2025—his seventh CFL season overall. In , his defenses have achieved top rankings, including third in the league in 2021, and he has coached CFL All-Stars such as and Micah Awe, while helping Henoc Muamba earn Most Outstanding Canadian honors in 2019 during his stint.

Early life and playing career

Early life in Pittsburgh

Robert Slowik was born on May 16, 1954, in , . He grew up in the city, immersed in its renowned football culture, where the sport held a prominent place in local communities during the mid-20th century. Pittsburgh's passion for , exemplified by the success of the starting in the 1970s, provided an early backdrop for young residents like Slowik, though specific family influences on his interest remain undocumented in available records. Slowik's formative years before high school laid the groundwork for his involvement in the sport, culminating in his enrollment at Baldwin High School in , where he began organized activities.

College career at the University of Delaware

Bob Slowik enrolled at the in the early 1970s and played for the Fightin' Blue Hens from 1973 to 1976, lettering during his junior and senior seasons. As a , he earned a starting role for two years, contributing to the team's defensive efforts in the . During his final two seasons in 1975 and 1976, Slowik helped Delaware compile a 16-6 overall record, including an 8-3-1 mark in 1976 that secured the Lambert Cup as the top Eastern team below the major college level and advanced the Blue Hens to the playoff quarterfinals, where they fell 28-17 to . Slowik graduated from the following his playing career.

Coaching career

College coaching positions

Bob Slowik began his coaching career as a at the from 1977 to 1978, where he had previously played. He then served as a part-time defensive assistant at the from 1979 to 1982. Slowik began his full-time college coaching career as the secondary coach at from 1984 to 1989, where he focused on developing defensive backs and implementing coverage schemes to counter passing attacks. During this period, Rutgers achieved a 7-3 record in 1984, with the defense allowing an average of 15.5 points per game and limiting opponents to 145.3 rushing yards and 183.2 passing yards per contest. His unit contributed to a balanced defensive approach that emphasized zone and man coverage, helping the Scarlet Knights secure key victories, including a 17-0 against . Slowik's tenure at Rutgers built on his foundational experience as a at the , refining his expertise in secondary play. In 1990, Slowik joined as the outside linebackers coach, a role he held through the 1991 season, with primary duties including technique instruction for edge rushers and run support, as well as scheme integration for blitz packages. He worked closely with standout linebacker , who recorded 117 tackles in 1989 prior to Slowik's arrival and continued as an candidate, amassing 140 tackles in 1991 while anchoring ' defense. Under Slowik's guidance, 's defense showed marked improvement; in 1991, the team posted an 11-1 record, ranked 9th in the final , and allowed 23.1 points per game en route to a 37-34 victory over NC State. Slowik's college coaching stints had a lasting impact on defensive units, notably facilitating player transitions to professional levels; for instance, was selected in the first round (24th overall) of the by the after his senior year at East Carolina. His emphasis on fundamentals and adaptability helped elevate team defenses from mid-tier independent programs to nationally competitive squads, with East Carolina's 1991 unit ranking among the top 20 in total defense nationally.

NFL coaching career

Slowik began his NFL coaching career as a defensive assistant with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992, contributing to the team's dominant 13-3 regular season and their Super Bowl XXVII championship victory over the Buffalo Bills, where the defense held opponents to just 17 points in the title game. He advanced to defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 1993 to 1998, overseeing a unit that initially ranked among the league's elite before facing challenges amid roster transitions and injuries. In 1993, the Bears' defense finished second in points allowed (230 total, 14.4 per game) and tenth in total yards (3,880), anchoring a 7-9 season with key contributions from defensive end Alonzo Spellman, who recorded 12.5 sacks, and linebacker Bryan Cox, who led the team with 131 tackles. The 1994 defense supported a playoff appearance (9-7 record) despite ranking 15th in points allowed (289), emphasizing versatile zone coverages that limited opponents' big plays. Subsequent years saw declines, with rankings of 19th (1995, 336 points), 23rd (1996, 341 points), 28th (1997, 371 points), and 25th (1998, 368 points), as Slowik adapted schemes to incorporate nickel packages and multiple fronts amid the departure of veterans like Richard Dent. During this six-year tenure, Slowik coached a core including Spellman (who amassed over 50 career sacks under his guidance) and helped develop young talent like linebacker Barry Minter, focusing on aggressive pursuit and coverage disguises to counter evolving passing attacks. Slowik served as defensive coordinator for the expansion Cleveland Browns in 1999, a transitional year marked by significant challenges including integration of new players and schematic installation, resulting in a 2-14 record and a defense that ranked 28th in points allowed (396) and 30th in total yards (5,878). Joining the in 2000 as defensive backs coach, Slowik spent four seasons (2000–2003) in that role—elevated to assistant head coach in 2002–2003—before promotion to in 2004, contributing to consistent playoff contention. The secondary he coached featured emerging stars like safety and cornerback Al Harris, supporting NFC Championship (2001) and Divisional playoff (2003) runs, with the 2001 defense ranking 12th in points allowed (277). As coordinator in 2004, amid a 10-6 season and berth, the Packers' defense ranked 18th in points (380) and 20th in yards (5,541), emphasizing man-press techniques that generated 41 takeaways. Slowik continued with the Denver Broncos from 2005 to 2008, starting as defensive backs coach (2005–2006) before assuming duties (2007–2008, also handling DBs in 2007). In 2005, his secondary unit aided a 13-3 record and playoff appearance, ranking 14th in pass defense (3,145 yards allowed). The 2007 defense under his coordination finished 18th in points (328), adapting to multiple fronts amid quarterback transitions, while 2008 saw a 20th-place ranking in points (341) during an 8-8 season, with focus on run-stopping led by players like linebacker D. J. Williams. Following a year away from coaching in 2009, Slowik joined the Washington Redskins as secondary coach from 2010 to 2011, then transitioned to linebackers coach for 2012–2013 under head coach . In 2010–2011, the secondary ranked mid-pack in pass defense (15th in 2010 with 3,320 yards allowed; 24th in 2011 interceptions with 8), featuring cornerback DeAngelo Hall's development into a interceptor (7 INTs in 2010). As linebackers coach, he contributed to a resurgent 10-6 defense in 2012 (16th in points, 347 allowed), bolstering veterans like (127 tackles) and edge rusher (11 sacks), though the 2013 unit struggled amid injuries (28th in points, 436 allowed). Over his 21-year tenure (1992–2013), Slowik accumulated over nine years as a across four teams, influencing defensive strategies that emphasized adaptability and player fundamentals, while coaching multiple talents and contributing to five playoff appearances.

CFL coaching career

Slowik's entry into the (CFL) came after a long hiatus from professional coaching, leveraging his extensive defensive background to adapt to the league's unique 12-player format, wider field, and three-down system. In , he joined the Montreal Alouettes as a guest coach, gaining familiarity with CFL rules and personnel during and the preseason, which facilitated his full-time transition the following year. In , Slowik was promoted to for the Alouettes, where he implemented schemes emphasizing coverage and run defense tailored to the CFL's motion rules and return game. Under his guidance, the defense allowed the second-fewest points in the East Division (485 total), contributing to a 10-8 regular-season record and the team's first playoff appearance since 2014; standout performer Henoc Muamba earned the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian award with 99 tackles and five sacks. The unit produced five East Division all-stars and two league all-stars, though mental errors remained a focus for improvement as Slowik adjusted to on-field observations from his first CFL season. The was cancelled due to the before any regular-season games could be played, and the Alouettes suspended operations. Slowik was released in December 2020 as part of staff changes under head coach . Despite the challenges, his tenure highlighted the value of NFL-honed fundamentals in addressing CFL-specific vulnerabilities like and wider receiver routes. Seeking a fresh start, Slowik joined the as defensive assistant in June , supporting coordinator Brent Monson by analyzing opponent tendencies and refining secondary coverages. In his debut season, ' defense ranked third overall in the CFL, holding opponents under 300 passing yards five times and aiding a 12-6 record that reached the Western Final. Promoted to linebackers coach for 2022, Slowik focused on technique and gap discipline for key players like and Jameer Thurman, who both ranked in the top 10 league-wide in tackles; the defense allowed the second-fewest points in the CFL (387 total), while Judge earned West Division and CFL all-star honors with five fumble recoveries. In 2023, Slowik continued as linebackers coach during a rebuilding year, with finishing 7-10-1 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The defense ranked mid-pack, allowing 463 points (25.7 per game). Slowik remained linebackers coach in 2024, as posted a 5-12-1 record and finished last in the , missing the again. The struggled with quarterback pressure, recording 35 sacks (seventh in ). On December 16, 2024, promoted Slowik to following the departure of Brent Monson, positioning him to oversee the full scheme for the 2025 season. In 2025, under Slowik's coordination, the allowed 416 points (second-fewest in at 23.1 per game). The team finished 11-7, third in the , and advanced to the Semi-Final, where they lost 33-30 to the .

Personal life

Family

Bob Slowik married Thomson Slowik, a former elite hurdler and track coach, whom he met at the while she was competing in . , inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame for her achievements including a in the 60-yard hurdles, shared professional influences with Bob as a coach, notably serving as head women's track coach at the during his early career there. Their marriage blended football and track worlds, fostering a household deeply immersed in athletics. The couple has four children: Ryan, Andrea, Bobby (born June 9, 1987), and Steven. Slowik, the eldest, followed his parents into and currently serves as the defensive backs and game specialist coach for the . Bobby Slowik pursued an NFL path, working as offensive coordinator for the Texans from 2023 to 2024 before becoming senior passing game coordinator for the as of 2025. Andrea and Steven, while less publicly documented in , grew up in the same athletic environment. The Slowik family's life was marked by frequent relocations driven by Bob's coaching positions, moving across cities including , , , Green Bay, , and , often staying no longer than four years in one place. These moves strained family stability but strengthened their collective involvement in , with children adapting to new environments while participating in athletic activities alongside their parents' coaching commitments. Originating from roots, the family maintained a resilient bond through shared passions for competition.

Publications and other contributions

In 2017, Bob Slowik authored the book Sixty Minutes to a Lifetime: Lessons I've Learned About Life and from My NFL Coaching Career, which draws on his 20-year NFL tenure to explore themes of leadership, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit through personal anecdotes from the locker room and beyond. The work emphasizes and , illustrating how football principles apply to everyday challenges and long-term success. Slowik has extended his expertise through , delivering motivational talks that parallel football strategies with life and . For instance, at the California Payroll Conference, he addressed successful methods, competition, and building a positive legacy, highlighting his experiences as a Super Bowl-winning coach and nine-year defensive . His presentations stress overcoming obstacles, providing guidance, and defining success as "how you live what you do" rather than mere achievements. Beyond writing and speaking, Slowik founded Coach Slow's , Os and Beyond, a professional training and coaching initiative that shares insights into athlete and competitor experiences at elite levels, blending tactical knowledge ("") with broader life lessons. He also serves as an advisor for Sports Virtual Training Systems (Sports VTS), contributing his background to virtual training innovations for sports performance. These efforts underscore his recognition for integrating acumen with and inspirational discourse.

References

  1. [1]
    Bob Slowik Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks
    Bob Slowik. Bob Slowik. Born: May 16, 1954 in Pittsburgh, PA. College: Delaware. Relatives: Son Bobby Slowik · Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free.
  2. [2]
    Bob Slowik - Calgary Stampeders
    Slowik is in his fifth season with the Stampeders and his first as the team's defensive coordinator. He served as Calgary's defensive assistant in 2021.
  3. [3]
    Bob Slowik | Pro Football History.com
    Bob Slowik was a football coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 1992 to 2013, finishing his career as the linebackers coach of the Washington ...
  4. [4]
    Redskins Add Slowik, Burney To Coaching Staff
    Jan 27, 2010 · Born May 16, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Slowik prepped at Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh. He and his wife, Carol, have four children: Ryan, Andrea ...
  5. [5]
    Bob Slowik Coaching Record and Bio - Pro Football Archives
    Slowik, Robert S. Born: May 16, 1954 Pittsburgh, PA High School: Baldwin (Baldwin Township, PA). Year, College, Status.
  6. [6]
    Bob Slowik - Football - University of Delaware Athletics
    Bob Slowik. Class: Senior. Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. Position: Defensive Back. Height: 5-9. Weight: 165. High School: Baldwin. Skip Ad. Bio Stats Media. Bio.Missing: early life
  7. [7]
    Ex-Hen Slowik leads Green Bay Packers defense
    The 50-year-old Slowik began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UD in 1977. After two seasons at Delaware, he became a part-time defensive assistant ...
  8. [8]
    Football Year-by-Year Results - University of Delaware Athletics
    Aug 14, 2019 · ... Champions Lambert Cup Eastern Champions United Press International Small College National Champions ... 1976, 8-3-1, -. Tubby Raymond. Gary ...
  9. [9]
    Packers promote UD grad Slowik - University of Delaware
    Bob and his wife, Carol, a two-time All-America track competitor, have four children. May 1, 2002.Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  10. [10]
    https://profootballarchives.com/1993nflchib.html
  11. [11]
    2010 Washington Redskins Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team ...
    Record: 6-10-0, 4th in NFC East Division (Schedule and Results) ; Coach: Mike Shanahan (6-10-0) ; Points For: 302 (18.9/g) 25th of 32.
  12. [12]
    Alouettes name Bob Slowik as their Defensive Coordinator
    Jan 22, 2019 · The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that Bob Slowik has been appointed the team's new Defensive Coordinator.
  13. [13]
    Alouettes name Slowik defensive coordinator - TSN
    Jan 22, 2019 · Slowik spent time as a guest coach with the Alouettes during the 2018 season and worked with Als head coach Mike Sherman while with the Green ...
  14. [14]
    2019 Montreal Alouettes season - Wikipedia
    The Alouettes finished with a 10–8 record and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2014 following a week 17 win over the Calgary Stampeders.
  15. [15]
    Als' DC Slowik learning as he goes in first season - CFL.ca
    Oct 18, 2019 · Slowik, in his first season coaching in the CFL after spending over 30 years bouncing around the NCAA and NFL, decided he wanted to see exactly ...Missing: career | Show results with:career<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Bob Slowik Wants to Eliminate mental Mistakes - Montreal Alouettes
    May 29, 2019 · Levels, 2018 Grey Cup champ, is expected to be transitioning from Defensive Back to Sam Linebacker. What will presumably be our starting ...
  17. [17]
    Alouettes part ways with defensive coordinator Bob slowik
    Dec 1, 2020 · Last season Montreal allowed 485 points, the third-highest total in the league. Current bench boss Khari Jones had planned to retain Slowik for ...
  18. [18]
    Off-Season Outlook: Montreal Alouettes - CFL.ca
    Dec 18, 2019 · With defensive coordinator Bob Slowik set for his sophomore season, the Als' coaching staff should return intact. The biggest question is in ...
  19. [19]
    Stampeders Complete Coaching Staff
    Jun 17, 2021 · Bob Slowik joins the team as defensive assistant while T.J. Vernieri has been added as offensive assistant. “I am very excited to add Bob and ...
  20. [20]
    Calgary Stampeders finalize 2025 coaching staff, promote Bob ...
    Dec 16, 2024 · Slowik has been with Calgary for the past four seasons, most recently serving as linebackers coach. The 70-year-old has been coaching for four ...
  21. [21]
    Stamps Announce 2025 Coaching Staff - Calgary Stampeders
    Dec 16, 2024 · Slowik joined the Stamps as a defensive assistant in 2021 and was Calgary's linebackers coach the past two seasons. In 2019, he was defensive ...
  22. [22]
    5 Reasons Why The Stamps Got Their Edge Back In 2025 - Calgary ...
    Sep 19, 2025 · Under new defensive coordinator Bob Slowik, the Stamps have surrendered a league-low of 245 points, for an average of 20.4 points against per ...Missing: rankings | Show results with:rankings
  23. [23]
    Why have Calgary Stampeders been so solid on defence in 2025 ...
    Jul 23, 2025 · The Red and White defence has allowed just 111 points on the season. That's a scant average of 18.5 over the six games of the schedule.
  24. [24]
    https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-who-are-bobby-slowiks-parents-meet-ex-nfl-coordinator-dad-bob-slowik-and-athlete-mom-carol-thompson-slowik/
  25. [25]
    Slowik brothers reunite in Houston for Dolphins-Texans - Miami Herald
    Aug 19, 2023 · The two grew up in a football family with their father Bob Slowik before carving out their own coaching careers.Missing: Pittsburgh | Show results with:Pittsburgh
  26. [26]
    Carol Thomson Slowik - Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame
    Carol won national and world recognition as a hurdler in the 1970's. She was recognized by three sanctioning groups in 1996-97 as All-America at the University ...Missing: marriage Bob
  27. [27]
    Who Are Bobby Slowik's Parents? Meet Ex-NFL Coordinator Dad ...
    Jan 16, 2025 · Discover the roots of Bobby Slowik and his footballing journey with ex-NFL coordinator dad Bob and athlete mom Carol.Missing: childhood Pittsburgh
  28. [28]
    Miami Dolphins Coaching Staff
    Sean Ryan · Shead_DeShawn. Assistant Defensive Backs. DeShawn Shead · Slowik_Ryan. Defensive Backs / Pass Game Specialist. Ryan Slowik. Special Teams.Eric Studesville · Ryan Slowik · Outside Linebackers Ryan Crow · Front Office<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    12 things to know about Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik
    Feb 24, 2023 · Bobby Slowik is the Texans Offensive Coordinator and he comes from a coaching family. The former college wide receiver took an interesting ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  30. [30]
    LOSING TAKES PERSONAL TURN FOR BEARS' SLOWIK ...
    Their names are Ryan, Andrea, Bobby and Steven, his children ranging in age from 13 to 7. Slowik, isolated in the Lake Forest castle called Halas Hall, is ...
  31. [31]
    Sixty Minutes To A Lifetime: Lessons I've Learned About Life and ...
    Told from the perspective of a former NFL Coach, Sixty Minutes to a Lifetime shares stories about the power of the indomitable human spirit and how that mindset ...
  32. [32]
    Former NFL coach shares his experiences - WJHG
    Dec 14, 2017 · Super Bowl winning Coach, Bob Slowik, had a 20-year career in the NFL. His book, Sixty Minutes to a Lifetime is available on Amazon. For ...
  33. [33]
    Coach Bob Slowik - California Payroll Conference
    – Coach Bob Slowik. BACKGROUND. A member of a Super Bowl Championship team and nine years as a defensive coordinator with the National Football League provide ...
  34. [34]
    Coach Slow
    No readable text found in the HTML.<|control11|><|separator|>
  35. [35]
    Bob Slowik - Advisor at Sports VTS - The Org
    Bob Slowik. Bob Slowik's profile picture. Bob Slowik. Advisor at Sports VTS. Contact. No bio yet. Org chart. This person is not in the org chart. Teams ...