Boston, MA, December 31, 2025
Boston College football has appointed Ted Roof as its new defensive coordinator, a decision made to strengthen the team’s defense after a challenging previous season. Roof’s extensive coaching background and relationship with head coach Bill O’Brien are expected to improve the defensive strategies. His experience, including a national championship with Auburn, aligns with the program’s goals for competitive growth in college football. The coaching staff restructuring under O’Brien demonstrates a commitment to enhancing team performance and fostering a winning culture at Boston College.
Boston, MA — Boston College football has officially hired veteran coach Ted Roof as its new defensive coordinator, a move completed within the last 48 hours that reunites him with head coach Bill O’Brien. This significant staffing decision fills the Eagles’ final open coaching position and aims to address the defensive struggles observed in the previous season.
The appointment of Roof, confirmed by various sources, comes as Bill O’Brien works to finalize his coaching staff and inject new energy into the program. Roof’s extensive experience and prior working relationships with O’Brien are central to the strategic direction Boston College is taking to rebuild its defense.
This hire is a clear signal of the university’s commitment to fostering a competitive athletic environment and leveraging proven leadership to drive improvement. With a career spanning decades and multiple high-profile programs, Roof is expected to bring a disciplined approach and a wealth of tactical knowledge to the Chestnut Hill campus, aiming to bolster the team’s performance and elevate the profile of college football in Boston.
Rebuilding the Eagles’ Defense
Boston College’s defense faced considerable challenges in the last season, ranking 122nd nationally in scoring defense, allowing nearly 33 points per game. The unit also struggled significantly in rushing defense (107th), pass defense (125th), and total defense (129th) among FBS teams. This performance underscored the urgent need for a change in leadership and strategy.
Ted Roof steps into this role following the departure of former defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, who was let go after a disappointing 2-10 season. Roof’s mandate is clear: stabilize and enhance a defense that has been a significant concern. His long history as a defensive coordinator across numerous programs, including a national championship with Auburn in 2010, provides a foundation of experience that the Eagles hope will translate into immediate improvement.
A Familiar Partnership: O’Brien and Roof
The reunion of Bill O’Brien and Ted Roof marks a significant aspect of this hire. The two coaches have a history of collaboration, working together at Penn State in 2012, where Roof served as O’Brien’s first defensive coordinator. Their shared past also includes stints at Georgia Tech and Duke, where O’Brien was Duke’s offensive coordinator while Roof was the head coach. This established rapport is anticipated to facilitate smoother communication and a more cohesive strategic implementation within the coaching staff.
This collaboration reflects an emphasis on proven working relationships and strategic alignment, which can be crucial in the fast-paced and competitive world of college football. For Boston College football, the synergy between O’Brien and Roof is expected to accelerate the defensive unit’s learning curve and operational efficiency, demonstrating the value of experience and established trust in high-stakes environments.
Implications for Massachusetts Athletics
The hiring of a coach with Ted Roof’s pedigree is a boon for Boston College athletics and, by extension, the broader Massachusetts athletic scene. Strong college football programs can positively impact local interest, talent development, and even economic activity through increased attendance, merchandise sales, and community engagement. The pursuit of excellence in university programs like Boston College’s football team often inspires younger athletes across the state, encouraging participation and development in local sports.
This focus on competitive improvement also aligns with a philosophy of personal initiative and responsible growth. By investing in experienced leadership, the university aims to cultivate a program that not only wins on the field but also instills values of perseverance and teamwork in its student-athletes, qualities that extend far beyond athletic competition.
Roof’s Extensive Coaching Journey
Ted Roof’s coaching resume is marked by a vast array of defensive coordinator roles at various prominent institutions. His career began in 1987, and since then, he has held coordinator positions at UMass, Western Carolina, Georgia Tech (twice), Duke, Minnesota, Auburn, UCF (twice), Penn State, Appalachian State, Vanderbilt, and Oklahoma. Most recently, Roof was the defensive coordinator for the UCF Knights in 2024.
His tenure at Auburn was particularly notable, contributing to a national championship in 2010. This diverse background means Roof has encountered and adapted to numerous defensive schemes and player personnel challenges, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of collegiate defense. His appointment underscores a strategic effort to bring in seasoned expertise to navigate the competitive landscape of college football.
The Road Ahead for Boston College Football
With the defensive coordinator position now filled, Bill O’Brien has completed his core coaching staff hires following a series of changes earlier in the offseason. The program previously parted ways with offensive line coach Matt Applebaum and wide receivers coach Darrell Wyatt, along with former defensive coordinator Tim Lewis. The proactive approach to restructuring the staff reflects a determination to implement O’Brien’s vision more effectively.
The renewed emphasis on leadership and experience, exemplified by the hiring of Ted Roof, signifies a commitment to self-reliance and strategic adjustments within the Boston College football program. As the Eagles look to improve upon their 2-10 record from the previous season, the collective efforts of the new coaching staff and the dedication of the players will be crucial for success in the competitive ACC.
Conclusion
The addition of Ted Roof as defensive coordinator represents a significant strategic step for Boston College football, signaling a clear intent to rebuild and strengthen the program’s defensive capabilities under head coach Bill O’Brien. This hire, rooted in a history of successful collaboration and extensive experience, aims to foster a culture of excellence and competitive growth within Massachusetts athletics. As the Eagles prepare for upcoming seasons, the focus will be on leveraging this new leadership to drive performance and inspire the community. We encourage all fans and supporters to continue engaging with Boston College athletics, celebrating the spirit of competition and the invaluable role university programs play in developing young talent and strengthening our local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who has Boston College Football hired as its new Defensive Coordinator?
A: Boston College Football has hired Ted Roof as its new Defensive Coordinator.
Q: When was Ted Roof hired as Defensive Coordinator?
A: Ted Roof was hired as the Defensive Coordinator within the last 48 hours, with news confirmed on December 30-31, 2025.
Q: Has Ted Roof worked with Head Coach Bill O’Brien before?
A: Yes, Ted Roof and Bill O’Brien previously worked together at Penn State in 2012, and also at Georgia Tech and Duke.
Q: What was Boston College’s defensive ranking last season?
A: Last season, Boston College ranked 122nd nationally in scoring defense, 107th in rushing defense, 125th in pass defense, and 129th in total defense.
Q: What other coaching changes has Bill O’Brien made recently?
A: Bill O’Brien previously parted ways with former defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, offensive line coach Matt Applebaum, and wide receivers coach Darrell Wyatt. He has since hired new coaches for those positions, with Ted Roof being the final open staff position filled.
Boston College Football Coaching Staff Highlights (2025-2026)
| Position | Coach | Key Experience/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Bill O’Brien | Leading the program into the next phase. |
| Defensive Coordinator | Ted Roof | Veteran coach; reunites with Bill O’Brien; national championship with Auburn (2010); extensive DC experience across multiple universities. |
| Former Defensive Coordinator | Tim Lewis | Parted ways after 2025 season; unit ranked 122nd in scoring defense. |
| Prior Defensive Rankings (2025 Season) | Scoring Defense: 122nd (32.8 PPG allowed) Rushing Defense: 107th Pass Defense: 125th Total Defense: 129th |
|
| Notable Staff Changes | Hired Kurt Anderson (O-Line), Joe Dailey (WRs); Parted ways with Matt Applebaum (O-Line) and Darrell Wyatt (WRs). |
Now Happening on X
- @mzenitz (Dec 30, 2025): Boston College is expected to hire veteran coach Ted Roof as its new defensive coordinator, reuniting him with Bill O’Brien from their Penn State days. View on X
- @ESPNRittenberg (Dec 30, 2025): Source confirms Boston College is set to hire Ted Roof as defensive coordinator, highlighting his extensive experience at programs like UCF, Clemson, Vanderbilt, and Auburn’s 2010 national title team. View on X
- @graham_dietz (Dec 30, 2025): Per a source, Boston College football has officially hired Ted Roof as defensive coordinator; he previously worked with Bill O’Brien at Penn State in 2012 and was DC at UCF in 2024. View on X
- @CoachSamz (Dec 30, 2025): Bill O’Brien has tabbed veteran Ted Roof as new Boston College defensive coordinator, bringing experience from 13 stops including Oklahoma, Penn State, Auburn, UCF, and Georgia Tech. View on X
- @TrevorHass (Dec 30, 2025): Ted Roof is Boston College’s new defensive coordinator; the 62-year-old reunites with O’Brien from Penn State 2012 and has stops including UMass and Georgia Tech. View on X
- @kmrankin1 (Dec 30, 2025): Notes on Ted Roof as Boston College’s new DC: Worked with O’Brien at Penn State, Duke, and Georgia Tech; Auburn’s DC for 2010 national championship; most recently at UCF in 2024. View on X
- @BCEagleInsider (Dec 30, 2025): Breaking news: Boston College has hired Ted Roof as their new defensive coordinator. View on X
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