Boston College has found its next defensive coordinator, and it’s a name that carries both experience and a long history with head coach Bill O’Brien: Ted Roof. The veteran coach is stepping into the role with decades of defensive know-how and a résumé that stretches across some of college football’s most recognizable programs.
This isn’t the first time O’Brien and Roof have worked together. Their coaching paths first crossed at Georgia Tech in the late '90s, where O’Brien was rising through the offensive ranks and Roof was building his defensive credentials.
Their professional connection deepened in 2012 when O’Brien, in his first year as Penn State’s head coach, brought Roof in to lead the defense. That partnership lasted just one season, but it was enough to cement a mutual respect that’s clearly stood the test of time.
Roof’s coaching journey has been nothing short of a tour across the college football landscape. After playing linebacker at Georgia Tech-where he earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 1985-he jumped into coaching as a graduate assistant at Alabama in 1987. From there, he carved out a career as a defensive mind, holding coordinator roles at schools like Minnesota, Auburn, NC State, Appalachian State, Vanderbilt, and even a stint as a defensive analyst at Clemson.
His most notable run came at Auburn, where he helped the Tigers win a national championship in 2010. That season, Roof’s defense complemented a Cam Newton-led offense to perfection, creating big plays and timely stops en route to the title. That success helped pave the way for his reunion with O’Brien at Penn State and a return to Georgia Tech, where he enjoyed his longest stay as a coordinator from 2013 to 2017.
But Roof’s coaching record isn’t without its bumps. His lone head coaching opportunity came at Duke from 2003 to 2007, where he struggled to turn the program around.
The Blue Devils went 6-45 under his watch, including three straight winless seasons in ACC play. Since then, Roof has become something of a coaching journeyman, frequently changing roles and programs.
In fact, he’s held 10 one-year stints throughout his career and was fired midseason at UCF in 2024 after joining Gus Malzahn’s staff.
Still, there’s no denying the defensive identity Roof brings. His schemes are known for being aggressive and disruptive-designed to generate tackles for loss, sacks, and turnovers.
That style has earned him three Broyles Award nominations and helped develop a number of standout defenders over the years. When his defenses click, they can be explosive and game-changing.
Now, the question becomes whether Roof can bring that same edge to Boston College-and sustain it. The Eagles are betting that his deep experience, familiarity with O’Brien, and aggressive philosophy can help elevate a defense that’s looking to find its footing. The hire also signals that O’Brien is leaning on trusted relationships as he builds out his staff, bringing in someone who knows his system and shares his vision.
While Roof’s track record has its inconsistencies, there’s no denying his wealth of experience. If he can bring stability and unlock the potential of Boston College’s defensive talent, this reunion with O’Brien could be a savvy move. For now, it’s a fresh chapter for both coach and program-and one that will be closely watched as the Eagles shape their identity under new leadership.