Oregon Officially Announces Tim DeRuyter as Defensive Coordinator

[Charles Fischer]

OREGON ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal officially announced Tim DeRuyter as the program’s defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach on Thursday. DeRuyter has been a defensive coordinator in 20 of his 31 seasons as a college coach.

“We are excited to add a coach of the caliber and experience as Coach DeRuyter to lead our defense,” Cristobal said. “He is a proven difference maker with a track record for developing players to their full potential, and he has accelerated significant improvement in all of his stops as a defensive coordinator. We look forward to the significant impact Coach DeRuyter will have on the Oregon football program and all of his contributions in taking our defense to the next level.”  

DeRuyter has been a defensive coordinator or a head coach each of the last 19 seasons, including the past four years at California where he was also associate head coach in 2020. Prior to Cal, he was the head coach at Fresno State for four and a half seasons preceded by stops at Texas A&M, Air Force, Nevada, Ohio and Navy as defensive coordinator.

 “I am beyond thrilled to be joining Coach Cristobal’s staff here at the University of Oregon,” DeRuyter said. “Coach Cristobal has reestablished Oregon as one of the power players in college football and I am fired up to coach our elite student-athletes to conference and national titles. The support of Oregon’s administration and fan base is legendary and I look forward to coaching a defense that is worthy of that support!”

In his four seasons at Cal, DeRuyter turned around a defense that ranked second-to-last nationally (No. 127) in the FBS in scoring defense prior to his arrival into a unit that has finished in the top five in the Pac-12 in that category each of the last three years. The Bears limited opposing offenses to 24 points or less in 20 of his last 24 games as defensive coordinator and finished in the top four in total defense in the Pac-12 each of the last three seasons.

A Broyles Award semifinalist in 2018, DeRuyter has led defenses at three different stops that have ranked in the top 15 nationally in several categories. His 2018 defense at Cal led the Pac-12 and ranked No. 9 in the country in pass defense (175.1).

The 2011 Texas A&M defense led the nation in sacks (51.0) while finishing third in tackles for loss per game (8.0) and No. 12 in rush defense (101.85) the year after Von Miller was taken No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft. DeRuyter also coordinated one of the nation's most successful defenses at Air Force in 2009 when the Falcons were No. 5 in pass defense (154.31), No. 10 in scoring defense (15.69) and No. 11 in total defense (288.31).

At Oregon, DeRuyter inherits a defense that returns seven starters, including three FWAA Freshman All-America selections over the last two seasons. One of those selections is Pac-12 Championship Game MVP Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has led team in sacks and tackles for loss each of the past two seasons.

California (2017-2020)

DeRuyter spent four seasons as defensive coordinator at California while also serving as the associate head coach in 2020. He worked with inside linebackers his first season at Cal while coaching outside linebackers his last three years with the Golden Bears.

In 2019, DeRuyter teamed with former Oregon player Peter Sirmon at Cal to earn the FootballScoop Linebackers Coaches of the Year by AstroTurf honors. In 2018, he was a semifinalist for the Broyles Award.

During his tenure at Cal, DeRuyter led a defense that showed marked improvement cutting opponents’ scoring from 42.6 points per game the season before his arrival to just over 20 points per game in 2018 and 2019. Cal allowed 26.5 points per game in 2020 while being limited to just four games because of COVID-19 issues.

The Bears ranked 127th in scoring defense the season before DeRuyter’s arrival in Berkeley, but immediately improved to the point where Cal ranked No. 22 in 2018 (20.4 ppg) and No. 33 in 2019 (21.9 ppg).

In his final 24 games as the defensive coordinator at Cal, the Bears held 20 of their last 24 opponents to 24 points or less. Of those 20 games, the Golden Bears held five of those opponents to 14 points or less and 17 to 21 points or less. Cal held 14 straight opponents to fewer than 25 points to start the impressive defensive stretch, the longest active run in the nation before it ended at Utah on Oct. 26, 2019.

During his four seasons at Cal, 20 of DeRuyter’s players earned All-Pac-12 Conference honors including nine that were first or second-team selections. Evan Weaver, a consensus All-America pick in 2019, led the way also claiming first-team all-conference honors after leading the nation in tackles with a school-record 182 stops. Weaver was a finalist for the Butkus Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Lombardi Award and the Senior Class Award, while earning Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Weaver, who also earned second-team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus in 2018, was one of two All-Americans DeRuyter coached during his time at Cal. Linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk claimed second-team All-America recognition from Sports Illustrated in 2018, after finishing with 148 tackles. 

In 2018, DeRuyter earned a spot as a semifinalist for the Broyles Award after helping the Golden Bears rank among national and Pac-12 Conference leaders in nearly every statistical category. Cal ranked in the top 10 nationally and led the Pac-12 in interceptions (21 -- No. 2 in the nation), defensive touchdowns (5 -- tied for No. 4 in the nation), turnovers gained (28 -- tied for No. 6 nationally) and passing yards allowed (175.1 ypg – No. 9 in the nation). The Bears also led the conference and ranked in the top-20 nationally in pass efficiency defense and first downs. Cal was No. 15 nationally in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense while ranking third in the Pac-12 in both categories.

In DeRuyter’s first season with the Bears in 2017, Cal gave up more than two touchdowns (14.2 ppg) less per game than in 2016. Cal ranked among the nation’s best in converting turnovers into points scoring four defensive touchdowns which ranked 21st in the country. Cal also tied for 27th in fumbles recovered (10), tied for 29th in turnovers gained (24) and tied for 32nd in passes intercepted (14).

During DeRuyter’s four years at Cal, the Bears qualified for two bowl games going to back-to-back bowls in 2018 (Cheez-It Bowl) and 2019 (Redbox Bowl). It marked the first time the Bears had been to bowls in consecutive seasons since 2008 and 2009. 

Five of DeRuyter’s Golden Bear players were selected in the NFL Draft, with three picked in the 2020 draft. The New York Jets selected Ashtyn Davis in the third round, the Atlanta Falcons picked Jaylin Hawkins in the fourth round and Weaver went to the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round. In the 2018 draft, Devante Downs and James Looney were both picked in the seventh round by the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, respectively. 

Fresno State (2012-2016)

During four-plus seasons at Fresno State, DeRuyter compiled a 30-30 record as the head coach of the Bulldogs while leading FS to back-to-back Mountain West Conference championships in 2012 and 2013. The two titles were the first for Fresno State since 1999 – a drought of 13 years – and the back-to-back championships were the first for the program since 1992 and 1993.

DeRuyter inherited a team that went 4-9 the season before he arrived in Fresno, and immediately led the team to back-to-back conference championships in the school’s first two seasons in the Mountain West Conference. 

In his first two season at Fresno State, in addition to winning the two conference titles, the Bulldogs compiled a 20-6 record and advanced to a pair of bowl games. DeRuyter led Fresno State to a 9-4 record in 2012 and an 11-2 record in 2013 with both teams finishing 7-1 in MWC play. The 11 wins in 2013 tied a school record.

DeRuyter coached five All-Americans, four conference players of the year and 45 players who earned All-Mountain West Conference honors, including 14 who were named first-team and 12 who were named second-team.

Quarterback Derek Carr earned All-American honors in 2012 and 2013, while also being named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year after both of those seasons. Wide receiver Davante Adams claimed All-America accolades in both 2012 and 2013 as well, while being named a freshman All-American and the Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2012.

Offensive lineman Austin Wentworth was an honorable mention All-America selection by SI.com in 2013. Phillip Thomas was DeRuyter’s first conference player of the year at Fresno State, earning MWC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Six Bulldogs coached by DeRuyter were selected in the NFL Draft. Carr (2014) and Adams (2015) were second round picks of the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, respectively. Thomas (2013) went in the fourth round to the Washington Football Team, Tyeler Davison (2015) was a fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, and Derron Smith (2015) and Cody Wichmann (2015) went in the sixth round to the Cincinnati Bengals and St. Louis Rams, respectively.

Texas A&M (2010-11)

DeRuyter spent a pair of seasons as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Texas A&M where the Aggies combined for a 16-10 record and berths in the Cotton Bowl (2010) and the Meineke Car Care Bowl. DeRuyter ended his tenure at A&M as the interim head coach winning the Meineke Car Care Bowl, 33-22, over Northwestern.

In his first season at Texas A&M, DeRuyter was a nominee for the Broyles Award and coached Butkus Award winner and two-time first-team All-American Von Miller. In his second season in College Station, Texas A&M led the nation with 51 sacks (3.92 per game) and ranked third with an average of 8.0 tackles for loss per game, while fielding a defense that was 12th nationally against the run (101.85 ypg).

In two seasons, 17 Aggie defenders were named to the All-Big 12 Team with one earning first-team honors and two claiming second-team recognition. Miller claimed first-team honors in 2010, while Coryell Judie was a second-team pick in 2010 and Tony Jerod-Eddie claimed second-team honors in 2011.

Three Aggies that played under DeRuyter were selected in the NFL Draft, highlighted by Miller who went No. 2 overall to the Denver Broncos in 2011. The Cincinnati Bengals selected linebacker Sean Porter in the fourth round in 2013, while the Pittsburgh Steelers picked cornerback Terrence Frederick in the seventh round in 2012. 

Air Force (2007-2009, 1989-1990, 1985)

DeRuyter made three stops as a coach at the Air Force Academy, his alma mater. Before moving to Texas A&M, he served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Falcons in 2007 before adding the title of assistant head coach for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

In 2009, DeRuyter’s defense excelled finishing in the top 10 in both pass defense (No. 5, 154.31 ypg) and scoring defense (No. 10, 15.69 ppg), while ranking 11th in total defense (288.31 ypg). Air Force went 25-14 during DeRuyter’s three seasons as defensive coordinator and advanced to three Armed Forces Bowls.

Twelve Falcon defenders earned All-Mountain West Conference honors during those three years, including two first-team picks and four second-team selections. Defensive back Reggie Rembert claimed first-team honors in 2009, while defensive lineman Jake Paulson was a first-team selection in 2008. Ben Garland (2009), Anthony Wright (2009), Chris Thomas (2008) and Drew Fowler (2007) all claimed second-team honors.

DeRuyter started his coaching career under Fisher DeBerry, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, at Air Force. In 1985 he worked as a graduate assistant before spending the 1989 through 1992 seasons as a defensive assistant while completing his seven and a half years of active military duty following graduating from the academy.

During his time at Air Force in the late 80s and early 90s, DeRuyter worked with nine players that earned All-WAC honors, including seven that were first-team selections. Defensive backs Carlton McDonald (1992) and Scott Thomas (1985) were consensus All-Americans, while defensive tackle Chad Henning (1985) was a second-team all-conference pick and went on to play nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (1992-2000) after being drafted in the 11th round of the 1988 NFL Draft.

Nevada (2005-06)

DeRuyter spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator under College Football Hall of Fame coach Chris Ault at Nevada. The Wolf Pack claimed a share of the Western Athletic Conference title in his first season with bowl appearances following both seasons (2005 – Hawaii Bowl; 2006 – MPC Computers Bowl).

Seven Wolf Pack defenders earned All-WAC honors in DeRuyter’s two seasons in Reno with four of them claiming first-team recognition. J.J. Milan, Ezra Butler and Joe Garcia were all first-team picks in 2006, while Garcia was also a first-team selection in 2005.

Ohio (2002-04, 1995-98)

DeRuyter had two stints at Ohio leading the Bobcats defense while also coaching defensive backs in a four-year stay in Athens in the late 90s and a three-year stint in the early 2000s.

After going 2-8-1 in his first season of the first Ohio stop, the Bobcats combined to win 19 games over the next three seasons peaking with an 8-3 record in 1997. Ohio finished 6-2 in MAC play that season, one game behind Marshall for the East Division title. In each of DeRuyter’s final three seasons at Ohio in the 90s the Bobcats finished with a winning record in conference play with a pair of 5-3 records sandwiched around the 6-2 finish in 1997.

During his combined seven years at Ohio, 14 defensive players claimed All-MAC honors with three earning first-team recognition and nine garnering second-team accolades. Mario Daniel was a first-team pick in 1996, Tevell Jones was a first-team selection in 1997 and Tom Carder received first-team honors in 1998.

Navy (1999-2001)

Between his two stints at Ohio, DeRuyter spent three seasons working at Navy. He served as the defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2000, before coaching defensive backs in 2001.

Personal

DeRuyter earned his bachelor’s degree in management from the Air Force Academy in 1985 and added an MBA in market strategy from Regis University in 1992. He spent two years in private business before returning to coaching in 1994.

DeRuyter and his wife of 33 years, Kara, have one son, Jake, and one daughter, Christina, graduates of Air Force and Texas A&M, respectively. Christina is the director of on-campus recruiting for the Texas Tech football program after holding the same position at Arizona.

COACHING CAREER
2020                 Co-Defensive Coordinator/Associate Head Coach/Outside Linebackers                   California

2018-19           Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers                                                                   California

2017                 Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers                                                                      California

2012-16           Head Coach                                                                                                                             Fresno State

2011                 Interim Head Coach*                                                                                                            Texas A&M

2010-11           Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach                                                                 Texas A&M

2008-09           Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach                                                                 Air Force

2007                 Defensive Coordinator/Safeties                                                                                          Air Force

2005-06           Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties                                                                                    Nevada

2002-04           Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs                                                                           Ohio

2001                 Defensive Backs                                                                                                                     Navy

1999-2000      Defensive Coordinator                                                                                                         Navy

1995-98           Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs                                                                           Ohio

1991-92           Secondary Assistant                                                                                                              Air Force

1990                 Outside Linebackers Assistant                                                                                             Air Force

1989                 Inside Linebacker Assistant                                                                                                  Air Force

1985                 Graduate Assistant/Defense                                                                                                Air Force   

*Interim Head Coach for Meineke Car Care Bowl

COACH OF THE YEAR

2019 Co-Linebackers Coach of the Year (FootballScoop)

NATIONAL COACHING HONORS

2018 Broyles Award (Semifinalist)

NFL DRAFT PICKS COACHED (15)

2020 (RD 3) DB Ashtyn Davis – California – New York Jets

2020 (RD 4) DB Jaylin Hawkins – California – Atlanta Falcons

2020 (RD 6) LB Evan Weaver – California – Arizona Cardinals

2018 (RD 7) LB Devante Downs – California – Minnesota Vikings

2018 (RD 7) DE James Looney – California – Green Bay Packers

2015 (RD 5) DL Tyeler Davison – Fresno State – New Orleans Saints

2015 (RD 6) S Derron Smith – Fresno State – Cincinnati Bengals

2015 (RD 6) OL Cody Wichmann – Fresno State – St. Louis Rams

2014 (RD 2) QB Derek Carr – Fresno State – Oakland Raiders

2015 (RD 2) WR Davante Adams – Fresno State – Green Bay Packers

2013 (RD 4) LB Sean Porter – Texas A&M – Cincinnati Bengals

2013 (RD 4) S Phillip Thomas – Fresno State – Washington Football Team

2012 (RD 7) CB Terrence Frederick – Texas A&M – Pittsburgh Steelers

2011 (RD 1) DE Von Miller – Texas A&M – Denver Broncos

1988 (RD 11) DT Chad Hennings – Air Force – Dallas Cowboys

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2014 MWC West Division – Fresno State (Head Coach)

2013 Mountain West Conference – Fresno State (Head Coach)

2013 MWC West Division – Fresno State (Head Coach)

2012 Mountain West Conference* – Fresno State (Head Coach)

2010 Big 12 South Division* – Texas A&M (Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach)

2005 Western Athletic Conference* – Nevada (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)

* Tri-Champions

BOWL GAMES

2019 Redbox Bowl – California (Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers)

2018 Cheez-It Bowl – California (Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers)

2014 Hawaii Bowl – Fresno State (Head Coach)

2013 Las Vegas Bowl – Fresno State (Head Coach)

2012 Hawaii Bowl – Fresno State (Head Coach)

2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl – Texas A&M (Interim Head Coach)

2010 Cotton Bowl – Texas A&M (Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach)

2009 Armed Forces Bowl – Air Force (Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach)

2008 Armed Forces Bowl – Air Force (Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach)

2007 Armed Forces Bowl – Air Force (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)

2006 MPC Computers Bowl – Nevada (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)

2005 Hawaii Bowl – Nevada (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)

1992 Liberty Bowl – Air Force (Secondary Assistant)

1991 Liberty Bowl – Air Force (Secondary Assistant)

1990 Liberty Bowl – Air Force (Outside Linebackers Assistant)

1989 Liberty Bowl – Air Force (Inside Linebackers Assistant)

1985 Bluebonnet Bowl – Air Force (Graduate Assistant/Defense)

NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS

2010 Butkus Award -- Von Miller – Texas A&M

UNANIMOUS FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS COACHED

2012 Phillip Thomas – Fresno State (AFCA, AP, FWAA, The Sporting News, Walter Camp)

CONSENSUS ALL-AMERICANS COACHED
2019 LB Evan Weaver – California (AFCA, AP, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, ESPN, FWAA,

                                                                The Sporting News, USA Today, Walter Camp, Yardbarker)

2010 LB/DE Von Miller – Texas A&M (AP, Walter Camp, ESPN.com, Scout.com, Pro Football Weekly)

1992 DB Carlton McDonald – Air Force (Walter Camp, Kodak, FWAA, AP, UPI, Scripps Howard, AFCA,

                                                                        Football Writers, TSN, NEA, The Sporting News)

1985 DB Scott Thomas – Air Force (Walter Camp, Kodak, AFCA, FWAA, AP <2nd>)

ALL-AMERICANS COACHED

2018 LB Evan Weaver – California (Pro Football Focus – 2nd)

2018 LB Jordan Kunaszyk – California (Sports Illustrated – 2nd)

2013 WR Davante Adams – Fresno State (AP – 2nd, Walter Camp – 2nd, CBSSports.com – 2nd,

                                                                          College Football News – 3rd, SI.com -- HM)

2013 QB Derek Carr – Fresno State (SI.com – HM)

2013 OL Austin Wentworth – Fresno State (SI.com – HM)

2012 WR Davante Adams – Fresno State (SI.com -- HM)

2012 QB Derek Carr – Fresno State (SI.com – HM)

FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICANS COACHED

2012 WR Davante Adams – Fresno State (1st Team)

CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR COACHED

2019 Evan Weaver – California – Pac-12 (Defensive Player of the Year/Coaches & AP)

2013 Derek Carr – Fresno State – Mountain West (Offensive Player of the Year)

2012 Devante Adams – Fresno State – Mountain West (Freshman of the Year)

2012 Derek Carr – Fresno State – Mountain West (Offensive Player of the Year)

2012 Phillip Thomas – Fresno State – Mountain West (Defensive Player of the Year)

[BigDucksFan]