Scott Brown - Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Scott Brown

Title:
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
Email:
Phone:
(919) 684-2635

Veteran coach Scott Brown begins his 12th season as a member of the Duke coaching staff. Brown, who joined the Duke football staff in 1996 after four successful years at the University of Minnesota, continues to coach the Blue Devil defensive line.

Brown’s 2007 unit returns seven letterwinners including tackle Vince Oghobaase, who earned Freshman All-America honors last season from College Football News and The Sporting News. Sophomores Ayanga Okpokowuruk and Ryan Radloff headline the list of defensive ends that are back while junior Clifford Respress ? the most experienced interior lineman ? is scheduled to start at nose guard.

This past spring, Brown watched two of his pupils enter the professional ranks when tackle Casey Camero (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and nose guard Eli Nichols (Washington Redskins) inked free agent contracts. One year earlier, Phillip Alexander signed a free agent contract with the NFL’s Houston Texans, while tackle Orrin Thompson signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2005.

While at Duke, Brown has directed a steadily improving front line that, from 1996-99, included two-time first team All-ACC pick Chris Combs. Combs, the first Duke player since 1995 to earn All-ACC honors two consecutive years, set the school standard for career tackles for loss during his junior season, and led the squad with 15 in 1999. Combs also was the first Duke defensive lineman to receive first team All-ACC accolades since 1981.

"In virtually every area of my life, from the books I read to my career choices, Coach Brown has a powerful influence," said Combs. "Besides my father, no other man has reached me the way he has. He is an example for all coaches because of his passion, knowledge, loyalty, and willingness to teach."

In 2002, two members of the Blue Devil defensive line received post-season honors. End Shawn Johnson was a first team All-ACC and second team Academic All-America selection after leading the league in sacks with 12, while tackle Matt Zielinski received honorable mention All-ACC accolades following his 49-tackle, 18.5-tackle for loss campaign.

Zielinski, who signed an NFL free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens in the spring of 2004, closed his career in 2003 by earning first team All-ACC honors. As a senior, Zielinski recorded 75 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks en route to picking up his third Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award at Duke’s annual postseason banquet.

"Coach Brown’s dedication to coaching football is second to none," Zielinski commented. "He is the type of coach that you want to play for, because he cares so much about you not only as a player, but as a person. He is a father-like figure in that he is there for you whether you are on top or on the bottom. Coach Brown carries that special characteristic that allows him to have a major impact on your life, even if you don’t realize it at the time."

Duke’s defensive line was instrumental in 2002 as the Blue Devils paced the ACC and ranked 28th nationally against the run, giving up just 120.5 yards per game on the ground. In addition, the Blue Devil defense jumped from its 2001 national ranking of 113th in total defense to 65th.

Combs was a sixth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000, while another graduate of the Duke defensive line, Gannon Shepherd, signed a free agent contract with Chicago.

The 55-year-old native of South Fork, Colo., worked with the Golden Gophers’ linebackers and defensive line while at Minnesota. Brown brings over 25 years of collegiate coaching experience to the field with stops at Adams State, Southwest Texas State and TCU prior to Minnesota.

The prep gridiron All-America earned his bachelor’s degree from Adams State in 1974 and later coached four seasons at his alma mater coaching the linebackers and the defensive line. He earned a master’s degree in physical education from Adams State in 1977. Brown was elevated to defensive coordinator prior to going to Southwest Texas State where he teamed up with Jim Wacker in 1980. He then moved with Wacker to Texas Christian in 1983 and remained there until 1992.

Brown spent three seasons coaching the defensive line at Minnesota and then moved to the linebacker post during his final season in 1995.

He and his wife, Pam, have a son, Ryan, and a daughter, Meghan.