Steve Russ addresses the Syracuse community after his introduction by head coach Greg Robinsion.
Robinson Appoints Russ Orange Linebacker Coach
1/16/2005 4:00:29 PM | Football
Syracuse University head football coach Greg Robinson hired former Denver Bronco linebacker and Air Force Academy graduate Steve Russ as his linebacker coach. Russ joins the Orange program to coach the SU linebackers after spending four years on the Ohio University coaching staff.
“Steve brings a package of the things we are looking for here — energy, enthusiasm, intelligence and integrity,” Robinson said. “This is the model we want for Syracuse football. I have a very special feeling for Steve in that I had the good fortune of evaluating him in the draft process with the Denver Broncos when he came out of the Air Force Academy, and as his coach watching him develop as a football player. Without question he has the mental and emotional characteristics we want.”
Russ played linebacker for the Broncos from 1995 through 2000 while Robinson was the defensive coordinator. The 1995 seventh-round NFL selection (#218) spent his first two years in the league (1995-96) participating in Denver’s training camp while completing his military commitment. He used his 30-day leave from the Air Force to practice with the Broncos during preseason training camp. He played full seasons for Denver from 1997 through 2000, including with two Super Bowl Championship teams. In 1997 Denver defeated Green Bay, 31-24, in Super Bowl XXXII and in 1998 the Broncos beat Atlanta, 34-19, in Super Bowl XXXIII.
“I am excited to be part of Greg’s staff and to be part of the tradition of Syracuse football,” Russ said. “If you did not know about the program’s rich tradition and history, you learn it fast walking into this facility. There has been so much success for the program and so many accomplishments for so many individuals. Having played the game until five years ago, I will be able to relate to the student-athletes and share my experiences. I want to teach them the techniques, fundamentals and the preparation necessary to help them be successful.”
During his four year tenure at Ohio University, Russ coached the inside linebackers for three years after mentoring the outside linebackers during his first season. He served as the Bobcats special teams coordinator in 2004. In 200, Ohio’s defense ranked 22nd nationally in total defense (319.64 yards per game) and the Bobcats ranked 31st nationally and led the Mid-American Conference in net punting (37.25 yards per punt).
A 1995 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Russ amassed more than 200 total tackles in his final two seasons. He earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors as a senior in 1994 and earned the Brian Bullard Award, the highest honor given to an Air Force player. Following his collegiate career, Russ played in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game and the East-West Shrine Game.
Prior to joining the Broncos, Russ was the graduate assistant strength coach at Air Force. He was personally responsible for training three Falcon teams while assisting 23 others.
A native of Stetsonville, Wis., Russ earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the Air Force Academy. He and his wife, Betsy, have a two-year-old daughter, Mackenzie.
Highlights | Women's Lacrosse vs. Duke
Saturday, April 04
Regy Thorpe Postgame Press Conference | vs. Duke
Saturday, April 04
Syracuse Softball Highlights vs. Pittsburgh 4/4/26
Saturday, April 04
MLAX | Postgame Press Conference at North Carolina
Saturday, April 04
