Jackson State University

A veteran of nine NFL seasons, Dennis Thurman joined Jackson State University in 2020 as defensive coordinator.

During JSU's championship season of Fall 2021, Thurman orchestrated one of the nation's dominant units. JSU ranked in the FCS Top 10 in 12 categories: total sacks (53/1st), sacks per game (4.2/1st FCS), tackles per loss per game (8.8/1st), total tackles for loss (114/2nd), pass efficiency defense (95.94/1st), total defense (257.4 ypg/2nd), third down percentage defense (26.7/2nd), passing yards allowed (157.1 ypg/3rd), scoring defense (14.8 ppg/4th), fumble recoveries (13/t-3rd), takeaways (26/t-6th), and rushing defense (100.3 ypg/10th).

The Tigers allowed two touchdowns or less in a game 11 times last season, and recorded 2+ quarterback sacks in a game 12 times, including a school-record 10 sacks at Alabama A&M. DE James Houston IV ranked second in the conference and tied for 2nd in the FCS in both sacks (16.5) and tackles for loss (24.5) while leading the nation in forced fumbles (seven) on his way to becoming a sixth-round draft choice of the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft.
 
Prior to Jackson State, Thurman was the defensive coordinator for the Memphis Express of the upstart Alliance of American Football. From 2015-16, he was the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and coached under Rex Ryan. He developed Stephon Gilmore into an All-Pro cornerback.
 
During 2008-14, Thurman was the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the New York Jets. In his tenure, he coached Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie and the duo were vital parts of the Jets defense, especially during the Jets' playoff appearances in 2009 and 2010. Under Thurman's coaching, Revis was described as "one of the best" corners in the league. In 2013, Thurman's defense finished with a top-five rushing defense.
 
From 2002-2007, Thurman coached the defensive backs for the Ravens and was Sanders position coach in 2004-05.
 
He coached from 1993 to 2000 for his alma mater, the USC Trojans, where he mentored future NFLers Chris Cash, Kris Richard, Daylon McCutcheon, Brian Kelly, and Troy Polamalu.

Thurman played eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (1978-85) and St. Louis Cardinals (1986), never missing a contest in his 137-game career. Thurman, who played in Super Bowl XIII as a rookie, made 36 career interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries, scoring five career touchdowns (four INT, one FR). He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1981 after making a career-high nine interceptions. 

Thurman was a two time All-American at USC (1976-1977) and was a member of the 1974 national championship team.