After a month of anticipation, Louisville football finally has its answer at defensive coordinator - and it’s a two-man job. Head coach Jeff Brohm officially promoted Mark Ivey and Steve Ellis to co-defensive coordinators, signaling a new era for the Cardinals' defense built on familiarity, energy, and experience.
Ivey and Ellis Take the Reins
Let’s start with Mark Ivey. He’s no stranger to the Louisville program or to the defensive line - and that’s exactly where he’s headed back to.
Ivey will coach the defensive front while sharing coordinator duties with Ellis. For fans, this move checks a lot of boxes.
Ivey’s a high-energy coach who already has a strong rapport with the program and its players. When he joined the staff in 2019, Louisville’s defense saw an immediate uptick in pressure, logging 17 sacks that season.
That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s part of why he’s been a fan favorite ever since.
Before Louisville, Ivey spent seven seasons at Appalachian State, where he wore multiple hats - assistant head coach, defensive line coach, and even interim head coach. He’s been in the trenches, both literally and figuratively, and brings a toughness that should resonate with a defensive unit looking to take the next step.
Then there’s Steve Ellis, who’s been steadily building his reputation since arriving in 2023. He’ll continue to coach the secondary while stepping into the co-coordinator role.
Ellis has already made a mark in Louisville by helping develop standout corner Quincy Riley - a player who quickly made waves after joining the New Orleans Saints. That development track record isn’t new for Ellis, either.
During his time at East Carolina, the Pirates’ secondary was one of the most opportunistic in the country, racking up 25 interceptions over two seasons. In 2021 alone, ECU’s 15 picks ranked second in the AAC and 14th nationally.
With Ron English stepping away to watch his son’s final season at Navy and Mark Hagan parting ways with the program in late December, Brohm had some major holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. The decision to promote from within - especially with two coaches who’ve already made an impact - shows a commitment to continuity, even as the defense evolves.
Staff Shifts and Strategic Additions
The coaching shuffle didn’t stop at the top. Adam Mueller, previously a quality control specialist, has been named the new linebackers coach. Brandon Sharp will take over as safeties coach, rounding out a defensive staff that’s been retooled but still rooted in familiarity.
And while the coaching changes are significant, Louisville also made sure to stock the cupboard with talent. The defensive line gets a boost with the additions of Tyler Thompson and Jerod Smith II, while the secondary welcomes Koen Entringer, Kaleb Beasley, Brycen Scott, and others. The Cards also managed to retain key pieces like Clev Lubin and AJ Green - a big win for a defense that’s looking to build on last season’s momentum.
The Takeaway
Louisville didn’t just fill vacancies - they built a defensive staff that blends experience, player development, and institutional knowledge. Ivey and Ellis may have different positional focuses, but together they bring a balanced approach that could unlock this defense’s full potential.
The Cardinals had one of the most active and impactful offseasons in the country, and now, with their defensive leadership locked in, they’re poised to carry that momentum into spring ball and beyond.