Former Crimson Tide Safety is Named as Jacksonville State’s new Defensive Coordinator

Former Alabama safety Vinnie Sunseri has been named Jacksonville State's new defensive coordinator, the program announced on Thursday.

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Sunseri played safety and special teams for the Tide from 2011 to 2013, helping the team win back-to-back national championships in 2011 and 2012. Sunseri was taken in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. He later played for the Patriots and the 49ers.

A graduate from the class of 2011 at Northridge High School will be joining new head coach Charles Kelly's staff at Jacksonville State. Sunseri is the third hire announced since Kelly took the head coaching position on December 21, 2024.

In addition to his player experience, Sunseri will contribute his coaching background. In his previous position as Washington's safety coach, he guided the Huskies to an eight-win season and a Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl appearance. The team was ranked seventh nationally in passing yards per game (166.8) and eighth in pass efficiency defense (110.51).

Sunseri spent some time coaching in the NFL before obtaining the position at Washington. The former safeties coach spent four seasons with the New England Patriots, first as a defensive assistant in 2020 and then coaching the running backs for the next three. In 2022, Rhamondre Stevenson became the first Patriot to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season in six years.

Sunseri is well-acquainted with Charles Kelly, as the former Alabama safety joined the Tide's coaching staff in 2019 as a graduate assistant, coinciding with Kelly's role as the assistant defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Additionally, Sunseri's father, Sal Sunseri, has coached at both the NFL and college levels and worked alongside Kelly at Alabama, Florida State, and Colorado.

Kelly praised the Gamecocks' new defensive coordinator, stating in a press release, "Vinnie is one of the brightest young coaches in the country." She added, "He brings unparalleled energy, a wealth of football knowledge, and a relentless commitment to excellence." Vinnie Sunseri has also coached and played under renowned coaches such as Bill Belichick, Nick Saban, and Sean Payton.

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