Boston, MA, January 1, 2026
News Summary
Boston College has appointed Ted Roof as its new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. With over 35 years of coaching experience, Roof aims to enhance the Eagles’ defense under Head Coach Bill O’Brien. This strategic move reflects Boston College’s commitment to cultivating student-athletes and improving overall athletic performance. Roof’s previous successes at various institutions highlight his capability to develop effective defenses and adapt to changing environments in collegiate football.
Boston, MA — Boston College has officially announced the hiring of Ted Roof as its new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. This strategic move brings a highly experienced and respected figure in collegiate football coaching to Chestnut Hill, aiming to fortify the Eagles’ defense under Head Coach Bill O’Brien. The appointment signals a clear commitment to athletic discipline and strategic improvement within Boston’s vibrant higher education landscape.
Boston College’s commitment to developing student-athletes into leaders on and off the field is a cornerstone of its institutional philosophy. In the competitive environment of NCAA Division I football, strategic coaching appointments are critical for fostering academic rigor, promoting personal responsibility, and achieving athletic excellence. This leadership change is expected to have a significant impact on the football program, influencing player development, game-day performance, and overall team culture, thereby contributing positively to the university’s broader community and economic impact in Massachusetts.
A Veteran Hand Joins the Eagles’ Coaching Staff
The arrival of Ted Roof marks a significant addition to the Boston College football program. Roof brings a coaching career spanning over 35 years, during which he has cultivated a reputation for building disciplined and effective defenses. His extensive resume includes roles as defensive coordinator at numerous prominent collegiate programs, demonstrating a deep understanding of varied defensive schemes and player development strategies across different conferences and team dynamics. This wealth of experience is invaluable for a program looking to enhance its competitive edge within the Atlantic Coast Conference.
A Familiar Partnership: O’Brien and Roof Reunite
The hiring of Coach Roof also signifies a reunion with Eagles Head Coach Bill O’Brien. The two previously collaborated at Penn State, where Roof served as O’Brien’s defensive coordinator in 2012. This prior working relationship suggests a shared understanding of coaching philosophies and team objectives, which could facilitate a smoother transition and quicker implementation of new defensive strategies. Such synergy at the coaching helm is often a catalyst for fostering innovation and cohesion, elements crucial for success in high-level college athletics.
A Career Forged in Defensive Excellence
Ted Roof’s career is highlighted by a series of notable defensive achievements across various institutions. As defensive coordinator for Auburn, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Tigers to the 2011 BCS National Championship. His tenure at Oklahoma saw his defenses rank fourth nationally in tackles for loss and seventh in defensive turnovers in 2022, followed by a third-place national ranking in defensive turnovers and seventh in tackles for loss in 2023. Earlier in his career, at Appalachian State in 2019, Roof’s defense contributed to a 13-1 record, led the nation in defensive touchdowns, and achieved high national rankings in scoring defense (21st), total defense (25th), third-down defense (9th), interceptions (16th), and sacks (19th). This consistent track record underscores his ability to adapt and implement successful defensive systems. Roof also previously served as head coach at Duke University from 2003 to 2007, further showcasing his comprehensive leadership capabilities.
Addressing Defensive Challenges and Building Future Success
Boston College’s defense faced significant challenges in recent seasons. In 2025, the Eagles’ defense was among the lowest-ranked nationally in numerous statistical categories across Power Four teams. Injuries compounded these struggles, making it difficult for the team to consistently prevent opponents from moving the ball effectively. While the 2024 season under Head Coach O’Brien and former defensive coordinator Tim Lewis had moments of promise, including an initial 2-0 start and a brief appearance in the AP Top 25 with strong early season rankings in punt return defense, third-down defense, and rushing defense, the subsequent regression highlighted the need for a change. The hiring of Roof is therefore a direct response to these needs, with the expectation that his proven methodologies will lead to improved performance, discipline, and player development, which are crucial for success in Massachusetts higher education athletics.
Expected Impact on Boston College Football and Student-Athletes
The addition of Ted Roof is anticipated to bring a renewed emphasis on fundamental defensive principles, strategic innovation, and accountability among players. His background in developing student-athletes and his track record of cultivating strong defensive units align with Boston College’s values of leadership and personal responsibility. The goal is to elevate the team’s defensive prowess, contribute to more competitive outcomes, and enhance the overall experience for student-athletes as they strive for excellence both academically and athletically. This move is a testament to Boston College’s dedication to its football program and its broader impact on Boston MA college news.
Ted Roof’s Coaching Journey and Key Milestones
| Year Range | Team | Role | Key Achievement/Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995-1996 | UMass | Defensive Coordinator | First DC role |
| 1999-2001 | Georgia Tech | Defensive Coordinator | Contributed to ACC Championship shared in 1998 (before his DC role) and multiple bowl appearances |
| 2003-2007 | Duke | Head Coach | Led Duke for four seasons |
| 2009-2011 | Auburn | Defensive Coordinator | Won 2011 BCS National Championship |
| 2012 | Penn State | Defensive Coordinator | Coached under Bill O’Brien |
| 2013-2017 | Georgia Tech | Defensive Coordinator | Defenses contributed to ACC Coastal Division title and Orange Bowl victory in 2014 |
| 2019 | Appalachian State | Defensive Coordinator | Led nation in defensive touchdowns; team finished 13-1 |
| 2022-2023 | Oklahoma | Defensive Coordinator | Defenses ranked highly nationally in tackles for loss and turnovers |
| 2026-Present | Boston College | Defensive Coordinator | Reunites with Bill O’Brien |
The appointment of Ted Roof as defensive coordinator is a significant development for Boston College football, signaling a renewed focus on defensive strength and consistency. This move is designed to inject experience and strategic acumen into the program, aligning with the university’s enduring commitment to fostering excellence in all its endeavors. Fans and observers of Massachusetts higher education athletics are encouraged to follow the Eagles’ progress as they prepare for upcoming seasons, anticipating the positive impact of this experienced coaching leadership. Stay tuned to HEREboston.com for ongoing updates on UMA research, Boston College, and other local college sports and academic news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ted Roof’s new role at Boston College?
Ted Roof has been hired as the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for Boston College football.
What is Ted Roof’s coaching background?
Ted Roof has a coaching career spanning over 35 years, serving as defensive coordinator at various collegiate programs including UMass, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Penn State, Appalachian State, and Oklahoma. He also served as head coach at Duke University.
Has Ted Roof worked with Boston College Head Coach Bill O’Brien before?
Yes, Ted Roof previously served as Bill O’Brien’s defensive coordinator at Penn State in 2012.
What are some of Ted Roof’s notable defensive achievements?
Ted Roof helped Auburn win the 2011 BCS National Championship as defensive coordinator. His defenses at Oklahoma ranked fourth nationally in tackles for loss and seventh in defensive turnovers in 2022, and third in defensive turnovers and seventh in tackles for loss in 2023. At Appalachian State in 2019, his defense led the nation in defensive touchdowns.
What was Boston College’s defensive performance like in recent seasons?
In 2025, Boston College’s defense ranked near or at the bottom of nearly every defensive statistic for Power Four teams. Early in the 2024 season, Boston College showed strong rankings in some defensive categories, such as punt return defense (1st) and third-down completion percentage defense (4th), but overall struggled in 2025.
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