Kacy Rodgers
Kacy Rodgers (born June 24, 1969) is an American football coach who serves as the run game coordinator and defensive line coach for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). With over 30 years of coaching experience, Rodgers has specialized in defensive line development throughout his career, including a four-year tenure as defensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018. He began his professional playing career as an undrafted free agent defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992 before transitioning to coaching.[1] Rodgers' coaching journey started in the college ranks, where he served as defensive line coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1994 to 1997, also holding the title of assistant head coach in his later years there. He continued in collegiate football with positions at Northeast Louisiana (1998), Middle Tennessee State (1999–2001), and the University of Arkansas (2002), focusing on defensive line coaching and assistant head coach duties. Entering the NFL in 2003, Rodgers coached the Dallas Cowboys' defensive tackles (2003–2004) and then the full defensive line (2005–2007). In 2008, Rodgers joined the Miami Dolphins as defensive line coach, a role he held until 2014, before advancing to defensive coordinator with the Jets, where he oversaw the team's defensive schemes during a period that included a playoff appearance in 2015. He then moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019 as defensive line coach, earning promotion to co-defensive coordinator in 2022 while retaining his line responsibilities through 2024. During his time with the Buccaneers, Rodgers contributed to the team's Super Bowl LV victory in 2020 and helped establish the NFL's top-ranked rushing defense that season, for which he was named the John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year by his peers. In January 2025, he joined the Lions, bringing his expertise to bolster their defensive front.Early life
Early years
Kacy Rodgers was born on June 24, 1969, in Humboldt, Tennessee.[2] Humboldt, a small community in Gibson County, provided a tight-knit environment that fostered Rodgers' early interest in football, emphasizing community values, hard work, and local sports traditions.[3] Growing up in this rural setting, Rodgers benefited from the guidance of his parents, who instilled strong discipline and character, though specific details about siblings or the family's economic background remain limited in public records.[3] Rodgers' initial exposure to organized football came during junior high school in Humboldt, where he played under the tutelage of coaches Ron Canada and Wayne McLemore, who helped shape his foundational skills and passion for the sport.[3] This early involvement naturally progressed into his high school years, building on the lessons learned in the local program.High school career
Rodgers attended Humboldt High School in Humboldt, Tennessee, where he excelled as a standout football player.[4][5] His impressive performances on the field established him as a local high school superstar.[3] He excelled on both offense and defense and was named Exchange Club Player of the Week during his tenure.[3] Rodgers drew attention from college programs during his high school tenure, showcasing the skills that would later define his playing career.[3] Following his senior year, he committed to the University of Tennessee and signed with the Volunteers in 1988.[5]Playing career
College career
Kacy Rodgers joined the University of Tennessee in 1987, redshirting his first year before earning four varsity letters as a defensive end and linebacker for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1988 to 1991.[6][7] During his collegiate tenure, he contributed to a strong defensive unit in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), appearing in 40 games and helping the team achieve consistent success, including SEC co-championships in 1989 and outright titles in 1990.[8][9] Rodgers recorded 131 total tackles over his career, including 78 unassisted stops, along with 2.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 pass breakups.[7] His most productive season came in 1989, when he tallied 48 tackles (29 unassisted) and 3 tackles for loss during Tennessee's 11-1 campaign, which featured a dominant 6-1 SEC record and a thrilling 31-27 Cotton Bowl victory over Arkansas to cap the year.[7][8] In SEC play, Rodgers was particularly effective against rivals like Alabama and Florida, where his run-stopping presence helped limit opposing rushing attacks. He also notched 1.5 sacks in 1990 en route to another SEC title and a 23-22 comeback win over Virginia in the Sugar Bowl.[7][9] The Volunteers appeared in three bowl games during Rodgers' playing career, securing victories in the 1990 Cotton Bowl and the 1991 Sugar Bowl, before a 17-42 loss to Penn State in the 1992 Fiesta Bowl.[10] Rodgers earned honorable mention All-SEC recognition for his contributions.[6][11]| Year | Games | Tackles (UA/A/Total) | Sacks | TFL | FF | PBU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 11 | 16/9/25 | - | 1 | - | - |
| 1989 | 9 | 29/19/48 | - | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 1990 | 10 | 17/15/32 | 1.5 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 1991 | 10 | 16/10/26 | 1.0 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Career | 40 | 78/53/131 | 2.5 | 7 | 2 | 4 |