Rutgers football is making a strategic move by bringing in Dennis Dottin-Carter to bolster their defensive line coaching staff. With a wealth of Big Ten experience under his belt, Dottin-Carter's addition is a significant boost for defensive coordinator Travis Johansen's team.
Dottin-Carter has spent the past three seasons as the defensive line coach at Minnesota, where he earned a reputation as one of the top coaches in the Big Ten. His work with Minnesota’s Anthony Smith last season was particularly impressive, as Smith led the conference in sacks and ranked 12th nationally in tackles for loss.
At 45, Dottin-Carter brings a rich history in football, having played linebacker for Maine from 1999 to 2003. He kicked off his coaching career at his alma mater in 2008, initially working with tight ends before shifting to the defensive side in 2011. His versatility was further demonstrated when he took on special teams coaching duties at Maine.
In 2013, he moved to Delaware, where he spent four seasons. His impact was quickly recognized, leading to a promotion from defensive line coach to co-defensive coordinator after just one year.
Dottin-Carter then joined UConn in 2017, dedicating five years to refining their defensive line. His journey continued in 2022 at Yale, where he served as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator for a season before his tenure in the Big Ten with Minnesota.
Although his time with the Golden Gophers ended following the regular season, Dottin-Carter's track record speaks volumes. His expertise will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to Rutgers as they look to strengthen their defensive front.
This hire, first reported by Pete Thamel of ESPN, marks an exciting chapter for Rutgers, with Dottin-Carter poised to make a significant impact on their defensive strategies.