ELON, N.C. – Elon University head football coach Tony Trisciani announced Wednesday, Jan. 16, the addition of Ryan Anderson to his coaching staff. Previously the defensive coordinator at Hampton, Anderson joins Elon as its new safeties coach.
Ryan Anderson – Safeties
Anderson joins the Phoenix after spending one season with the Hampton Pirates in 2018. The stint followed a two-year run as the inside linebackers coach at East Carolina after serving as a defensive assistant at Vanderbilt for three seasons from 2013-15.
This season, Hampton posted a 7-3 record while finishing the season on a six-game winning streak after starting 1-3. Throughout the year, Hampton forced 18 turnovers while only allowing 191.1 yards per game through the air. Though the Pirates allowed 39.5 points per game during its first four games, Anderson helped the unit settle in and allow just 20.8 over the course of the team’s last six games during the winning streak.
At Vanderbilt, Anderson worked with the inside linebackers and defensive ends in 2015, helping the defensive unit rank 23rd in the nation for scoring defense in allowing just 21.0 points per game. It also ranked among the NCAA’s best in fourth down defense (4th), first down defense (5th), red zone defense (6th), third down defense (7th), fumbles recovered (20th). Along the way, Anderson guided Zach Cunningham to Associated Press First Team All-SEC honors after ranking among the league leaders in tackles for loss (16.5), tackles (103), solo tackles (69), forced fumbles (4) and recovered fumbles (3).
In his second year at Vanderbilt, Anderson helped develop Nigel Bowden into a Freshman All-SEC performer. Bowden topped all first-year SEC players in total tackles (78) and became the first rookie to amass more than 75 tackles in his first season for the Commodores since the 1998 season.
Anderson’s first year in Nashville saw the Vandy defense rank 13th in the nation in interceptions, 13th in turnovers gained, 23rd in pass defense and 23rd in total defense.
His time at Vanderbilt started after spending one season as the defensive line coach at Reinhardt (Ga.) in 2012. Before that, Anderson was the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for one season at Cumberland (Tenn.) University, guiding the Phoenix to No. 1 in the country in third down defense and No. 9 in total defense in the NAIA rankings.
His first coaching stop came as linebackers and tight ends coach at E.C. Glass High School in 2009.
Anderson graduated from Presbyterian in 2009 with a degree in Psychology. He went on to earn a masters degree in Education in Community Development & Action from Vanderbilt in 2015. At PC, Anderson lettered in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as a linebacker with the Blue Hose.
Trisciani on Anderson: “Ryan brings FCS coordinator and FBS experience at East Carolina and Vanderbilt to our defensive staff and we’re excited to have him. Ryan has impressed me with his ability to communicate his knowledge of schemes and skill progressions and that will play a big role in developing our young safeties into top-end CAA performers. He learned from great coaches at Vanderbilt – Bob Shoop and Derek Mason are two of the top defensive minds in football. His experience on the field and recruiting high academic prospects at Vanderbilt make Ryan a great asset to our football staff here at Elon.”
Elon Football Coaching Staff (as of Jan. 16, 2019)
Tony Trisciani – Head Coach
Drew Folmar – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Billy Crocker – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Jerrick Hall – Defensive Line
Andy Marino – Offensive Line
Ryan Anderson – Safeties
Chris Bland – Cornerbacks
Clay Browning – Tight Ends
Dillon Lucas – Defensive Assistant
Nick DiMarco – Strength & Conditioning
Dan Baranik – Director of Football Operations
Season tickets for the 2019 season, the first under Trisciani, are on sale now though the Elon Ticket Office. To purchase tickets, order online by clicking here or contact the Ticket Office at 336-278-6750. Fans can also purchase season tickets in person by stopping by the Elon Ticket Office, which is located at Gate A of Schar Center. Season parking passes for the 2019 campaign will be on sale to Phoenix Club members at the Maroon & Gold ($250) giving level and above at a later date.