D.C. Defenders Coaching Staff

Head Coach

Reggie Barlow: A very intriguing choice for the head coaching job, Barlow was a former fourth-round pick in the 1996 NFL Draft and shifted to a coaching career in 2007 when he became the coach at Alabama State and stayed there for eight seasons before moving on to Div.II Virginia State for six more seasons.

A successful coach at each spot, Barlow racked up a 49-42 record with the Hornets before improving to an amazing 34-16 with the Trojans.

Offensive Coaches

Supporting Barlow’s offense will be a litany of offensive coaches that comprise:

Offensive Coordinator/RBs: Fred Kaiss - An offensive genius, Kaiss has been serving as an offensive coordinator in various leagues and colleges since 1992. His career started with Morgan State and has seen him travel to various destinations, including Tennessee, Alabama A&M, Hampton, and Alabama State. His most recent role came with Alcorn State University where he served as the offensive coordinator from 2014-2017.

Quarterbacks: Shannon Harris - Most recently, Harris was seen as the offensive coordinator with Virginia State University. Prior to this, he had many years of experience making him a qualified name for the Quarterbacks coach with the Defenders.

Wide Receivers: Alvance Robinson - A former wide receiver himself, Robinson’s career never really took off but a former connection to Alabama State history could give him stronger chemistry with his fellow coaches and a chance at redeeming his career, this time as a coach.

Tight Ends: Cody Crill - Cody is well-known for his time as the Offensive Coordinator for Northwestern State. He spent four seasons there and will look to continue his success with the DC Defenders.

Offensive Line: Russ Ehrenfeld - A veteran in the coaching ranks, Russ has been a coach since the late 90s with a primary focus on the offensive line, most recently being known for his role with Tennessee State University.

Defensive Coaches

On the defensive side, the Defenders will be employing:

Defensive Coordinator: Gregg Williams - A long-time coach in the NFL, Williams was most recently with the New York Jets, which did not go too well for him. A former head coach for the Bills from 2001-2003, Williams will be able to provide astute leadership and bring some of the coaching prowess that made the New Orleans Saints the Super Bowl Champions in 2009 under his defensive stewardship.

Defensive Line Coach: Jeremy Watkins - Another Virginia State University alum, Watkins was a Defensive Line coach at the university as well and empowered them to 44 sacks in the 2021 season, a number he would be happy to replicate for the Defenders.

Defensive Backs: Vernon Dean - One of the most experienced coaches on any roster, Dean was once a DB himself in the NFL. After a seven-year tenure in the league in stints with Washington and Seattle, Vernon joined the coaching ranks all the way back in 1988. Coaching multiple teams in the NFL, Dean’s most recent time came with Virginia State University as well as he was a part of the legendary core that went undefeated in the 2017 season.

Special Team/Linebackers: Jamie Sharper - A relative rookie in the coaching ranks, Sharper is a former Virginia State University player, and then a Graduate Assistant. His stint here with the Defenders could help him grow as a coach.