Northwestern University football has announced the addition of three new coaches to enhance its defensive backs staff, a move confirmed by Head Coach David Braun on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
This strategic expansion aims to strengthen one of the most formidable defensive units in the Big Ten. The new appointments include LaMarcus Hicks as the Defensive Backs Coach, Drew Gray as the safeties coach, and Jeff Copp as the Senior Defensive Assistant and Nickels Coach.
LaMarcus Hicks is entering his third season with the Wildcats after previously serving as their cornerbacks coach. A former defensive back for the Detroit Lions, Hicks has been instrumental in the team”s defensive improvements. Under his guidance, the Wildcats achieved an 8-5 record and a victory over Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl in 2023. In 2024, Hicks” defense allowed only 15 passing touchdowns, ranking sixth in the Big Ten and 33rd in the nation. The team also recorded 10 interceptions and limited opponents to just 11.36 yards per completion.
Hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi, Hicks was a First Team All-Big 12 safety at Iowa State and led the conference with five interceptions during his senior season.
Drew Gray has been promoted to safeties coach after serving as the nickel coach for the past two seasons. His promotion reflects his steady growth within the program. Gray played a crucial role in mentoring Braden Turner, who earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2025. Turner recorded 56 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and a defensive touchdown.
Prior to his time at Northwestern, Gray spent two seasons as cornerbacks coach at Samford, where he contributed to an impressive 11-2 record in 2022, including an undefeated conference mark and the program”s first outright Southern Conference title. Samford also made its first FCS Playoffs quarterfinal appearance since 1991 during his tenure. Gray has held various defensive roles at Samford, including defensive quality control and assistant defensive backs coach, and previously coached defensive ends at Sioux Falls.
Jeff Copp is moving from his position as senior analyst to senior defensive assistant and nickel coach. Joining Northwestern in August 2024, Copp previously served as the defensive coordinator at Eastern Washington. He was promoted to that role in 2022 after beginning his tenure as the defensive tackles coach in the spring of 2020. During his time at Eastern Washington, the Eagles compiled an 18-13 record, made two FCS Playoff appearances, and limited 12 opponents to 23 points or fewer.
Before his time at Eastern Washington, Copp coached at FIU, where he led a defense that ranked second in Conference USA and 11th nationally with 17 interceptions in 2018. In 2019, FIU was 17th nationally in passing yards allowed per game. His coaching experience also includes stops at Idaho State, Arizona State, Utah State, UC Davis, and Northern Arizona.
Originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, Copp was an All-Big West defensive end at Boise State, helping the Broncos secure victories in the Humanitarian Bowl in both 1999 and 2000.
This restructuring of the coaching staff aligns with David Braun“s vision for the defense. By blending Hicks” NFL experience, Gray”s upward trajectory, and Copp”s strategic expertise, Northwestern is poised to enhance its secondary with a focus on turnovers and red-zone discipline.
