Auburn University has officially announced the hiring of DeMarcus Van Dyke as the new cornerbacks coach for its football program. This decision comes under the guidance of head coach Alex Golesh, who expressed enthusiasm for Van Dyke’s arrival, highlighting his ability to foster strong relationships with players and his extensive experience in the National Football League (NFL).
“We are thrilled to bring Coach DVD to Auburn,” Golesh stated. “His elite ability to build genuine relationships with his players and develop them at the highest level will be invaluable. His NFL experience brings a valuable perspective to our program, and he’s worked and played for some of the best defensive minds in football.” Golesh added that Van Dyke’s connections in key recruiting areas will bolster Auburn’s efforts to attract top talent.
Coaching Background and Achievements
Before joining Auburn, Van Dyke spent two successful seasons at the University of South Florida (USF) as the cornerbacks coach, where he was instrumental in the Bulls achieving 16 wins. Under his guidance, the defense significantly improved, lowering its scoring average by nearly a touchdown within a year. In 2025, the Bulls ranked seventh nationally in turnovers gained, leading the American Athletic Conference (AAC) with 14 interceptions, which tied for the most in a season since 2017.
One of Van Dyke’s notable achievements at USF was the development of cornerback DeShawn Rucker, who earned First Team All-AAC honors after recording 55 total tackles, including 39 solo stops, along with an interception and four passes defended. Van Dyke’s impact on the coaching community was recognized when he was named to the American Football Coaches Association’s 35 Under 35 list in December 2024.
Van Dyke’s coaching career began at ASA College in 2017, followed by a series of roles at his alma mater, the University of Miami. From 2018 to 2022, he served in various capacities, including defensive quality control analyst and cornerbacks coach. He also spent a season as the cornerbacks coach at Florida International University (FIU) prior to his tenure at USF.
Playing Career and Personal Life
A dual-sport athlete at the University of Miami, Van Dyke excelled in both football and track. During his collegiate football career from 2007 to 2010, he appeared in 51 games, making 21 starts and compiling 80 tackles, 10 passes defended, three interceptions, and three tackles for loss. His performance earned him a third-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Van Dyke played six seasons in the NFL with teams including the Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons. Across his professional career, he participated in 25 games, recording 17 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
Originally from Miami Gardens, Florida, Van Dyke resides with his wife, Kiawana, and their two children, DeMarcus Jr. and Kai. His hiring at Auburn marks a significant step in his coaching journey, as he aims to make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ defense.
