Nick Benedetto enters his second season as the defensive coordinator for the Samford football team.
In his first season, Benedetto oversaw a defense that improved as the season progressed. The unit led the Southern Conference in turnovers caused with 18 (10 fumbles, eight interceptions). Four players were named All-SoCon from the defense, and the group produced a first-team All-American in safety Chris Edmonds.
Benedetto came to Samford after spending three seasons as the defensive coordinator at his alma mater, the University of Sioux Falls. During his three seasons in charge of the defense at USF, the team compiled a record of 24-11. In 2019, Benedetto’s defense ranked fourth in NCAA Division II in total defense and his 2017 defense ranked second. In his three seasons in charge of the unit, Benedetto’s defenses gave up just 15.6 points per game.
Prior to his time at Sioux Falls, Benedetto worked as the defensive coordinator at West Virginia State (2013-16), as the defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator at Grand View University (2012) and as the safeties coach at South Dakota (2009-12).
Benedetto’s 2013 WVSU defense ranked 11th nationally in interceptions among all NCAA Division II teams.
An outstanding recruiter, Benedetto was selected as one of the “Top 30 under 30” coaches in the country by the American Football Coaches Association and the NCAA in 2015. He was just one of two Division II coaches honored with the prestigious recognition from more than 300 coaches up for the recognition.
Before he moved into the coaching ranks Benedetto was a standout defensive back at Sioux Falls, serving as captain of the defense for the 2008 team that won the school’s third NAIA national championship in a 14-0 season. Benedetto was part of one of the best defenses in school history as the team was ranked first nationally in nine statistical categories. A part of the 2006 team that also won a NAIA championship, Benedetto also started for the 13-1 team in 2007 that finished the regular season unbeaten and lost only in the title game, leaving them one win short of a three-peat. Overall, Benedetto played on teams that won 52-of-55 games during his playing career.
Following his collegiate career, Benedetto played for the Sioux Falls Storm indoor football team during the 2009 season.
Benedetto is a 2009 graduate of Sioux Falls (B.S., Mathematics), and he earned a Master’s degree in sports management in 2011 from South Dakota. Nick and his wife Kelsey reside in the Birmingham area and have two boys, Rocco and Ace.
