Freddie Banks

Biography

After helping guide Wake Forest to a resurgent 2025 season, Freddie Banks was promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties ahead of the 2026 season. The Wake Forest defense made significant strides throughout the season, producing four interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries while showing marked improvement across every major statistical category. The Demon Deacons allowed nearly 10.5 fewer points per game compared to the previous season, surrendered more than 100 fewer yards of total offense per contest than in 2024 and nearly cut the number of passing touchdowns allowed in half. Banks came to Winston-Salem with a vast amount of experience including being a defensive coordinator for seven years in his coaching career. Prior to Wake Forest, Banks served as the defensive coordinator for Colorado State with the Rams improving their record each season including an 8-4 record in 2024 and an appearance in the Arizona Bowl. In 2024, Colorado State ranked 23rd nationally and led the Mountain West with nine fumble recoveries while the 19 turnovers gained ranked fourth in the conference. Overall in his three seasons, Colorado State ranked fourth in the conference in turnovers forced per game, totaling 53 in just 36 games played. Banks arrived in Fort Collins fresh off leading the No. 6 scoring defense in the FCS to the national championship game while in the same role at Montana State. It was the Bobcats' first appearance in the FCS national championship game since 1984. Under his t