Steve Russ

Biography

Steve Russ enters his first season as defensive coordinator in 2026. Russ returns to the Academy after spending last season as the defensive coordinator at Alabama-Birmingham. He was special assistant to the head coach for Air Force in 2024. Russ spent six years in the National Football League prior to that. He was linebackers coach with the Washington Commanders from 2020-23 and Carolina Panthers from 2018-19. Russ spent six years at Air Force as the assistant head coach and four as the defensive coordinator and defensive backfield coach from 2012-17. Russ was the co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach previously. Russ’ first season as the lone defensive coordinator was impressive, as he completely revamped the defense and turned it into one of the finest in the conference. Air Force improved in all four major categories that season, including a remarkable 15.8 points per game improvement to 24.2 overall which led the conference and was 72 spots higher in the national rankings (33rd). The Falcons also improved in rushing, passing and total defense, including an over 100-yard improvement in rushing defense, allowing just 135.6 yards per game. That improvement went from ranking 119th nationally to 28th, which is a 91-spot improvement. In addition, the defense improved in third down defense from 125th to 36th, quarterback sacks from 114th to 24th and tackles for loss from 129th to 42nd. The defense maintained those lofty numbers the last two seasons, ranking firs