In an effort to replace former linebackers coach Al Holcomb (who left to be on Steve Wilk’s staff in Arizona), the Panthers have hired Air Force’s former defensive coordinator, Steve Russ.
Russ has been the DC at Air Force since the 2011 season. During that span, Air Force averaged 67th in total defense in the FBS (1-A), with their best finish being 34th a year ago in 2016.
Prior to his coaching career, Russ played linebacker for the Denver Broncos on their Super Bowl winning teams in the late 1990s, and was in the XFL during the league’s one season in 2001.