Brief Introduction of DJ Eliot
Darin “DJ” Eliot is a highly respected American football coach, currently serving as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the NC State Wolfpack. With a career spanning over two decades, Eliot has established himself as a prominent figure in collegiate and professional football, known for his defensive acumen and his ability to develop players. His extensive experience includes coaching roles in major conferences such as the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12, as well as a stint in the National Football League (NFL) with the Philadelphia Eagles. Eliot is recognized for his strategic approach to defense, often employing a multiple 3-4 scheme, and has been instrumental in the significant improvement of several defensive units throughout his career. His dedication to the sport and his players has solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and influential coach in the football community.
DJ Eliot Overview
| Full Name | Darin Eliot |
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1976 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 49 |
| Birthplace | Stillwater, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Coach |
| Husband/Wife | Miekel Marsh |
| Family | Son – Dawson, Daughters – Drue (deceased), Page, Reace |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of DJ Eliot
DJ Eliot was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on August 14, 1976. He grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he attended Edmond Memorial High School. During his high school years, Eliot was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in both football and basketball. After graduating from high school, he pursued his higher education at the University of Wyoming. There, he played as a linebacker for the Wyoming Cowboys football team under coach Dana Dimel. Eliot’s passion for the game extended beyond his playing career, leading him to pursue a path in coaching. He earned a bachelor’s degree in natural science from Wyoming in 1999. Committed to furthering his education and coaching expertise, he later obtained a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston in 2002.
DJ Eliot’s Career
DJ Eliot’s coaching career is marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of college football, with a notable stop in the NFL. His journey began at his alma mater, the University of Wyoming, where he served as a graduate assistant in 1999. He then moved to the University of Houston as a graduate assistant from 2000 to 2001, followed by a stint at the University of Miami in the same role in 2002. During his time at Miami, the Hurricanes had an undefeated regular season and played in the BCS National Championship Game.
Eliot’s first full-time coaching position came at Texas State University, where he coached defensive backs in 2003 and linebackers from 2004 to 2005. In 2005, he was part of a significant defensive turnaround that saw the Bobcats reach the I-AA playoff semifinals. He then spent a season as the linebackers coach at the University of Tulsa in 2006. From 2007 to 2009, Eliot served as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Rice University, where he helped the Owls to a Texas Bowl victory in 2008, their first bowl win in over 50 years.
A significant step in his career came in 2010 when he joined Florida State University as the defensive ends coach. During his three seasons there, the Seminoles’ defense saw a dramatic improvement, ranking among the nation’s best. He played a key role in developing future NFL draft picks, including first-round selection Bjoern Werner. His first opportunity as a defensive coordinator came at the University of Kentucky, where he worked from 2013 to 2016. At Kentucky, he was instrumental in rebuilding the defense and helped guide the Wildcats to a bowl game appearance. He also had a hand in recruiting and developing several players who would go on to the NFL, including first-round pick Bud Dupree.
Eliot then took on the role of defensive coordinator at the University of Colorado for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where his defenses were statistically among the best in the Pac-12. Following his time at Colorado, he served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Kansas from 2019 to 2020. In 2022, he was the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Temple University, where his defense ranked in the top ten nationally in sacks and tackles for loss per game.
In 2023, Eliot made the move to the professional ranks, serving as the linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. After one season in the NFL, he returned to the collegiate level. He briefly served as an analyst at Baylor in 2024 before being appointed as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at North Carolina State University.
DJ Eliot Personal Life & Family
DJ Eliot is a dedicated family man. He is married to Miekel Marsh. The couple has four children: a son named Dawson, and three daughters, Drue, Page, and Reace. Tragically, the Eliot family faced immense hardship when their eldest daughter, Drue, was diagnosed with pediatric cancer in 2020. The family’s journey through her illness was a testament to their strength and unity. In a display of his character, Eliot has spoken about approaching his daughter’s diagnosis with the same strategic and hopeful mindset he brings to the football field, emphasizing the importance of belief and a strong family front in the face of adversity. The college football community rallied around the Eliot family during this difficult time. Sadly, Drue passed away in September 2025 after a courageous five-year battle with the disease. Outside of his demanding coaching career, Eliot’s favorite hobby is spending quality time with his children. He enjoys fly fishing with his son and attending other sporting events as a family.
Awards and Achievements of DJ Eliot
- Coached in numerous bowl games, including the 2002 Fiesta Bowl/BCS National Championship Game with the University of Miami, the 2008 Texas Bowl with Rice, the 2013 Orange Bowl with Florida State, and the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl with Kentucky.
- As a coach, he has been a part of teams with significant turnarounds and high national rankings, particularly on the defensive side of the ball at Florida State and Temple.
- Mentored and developed numerous players who have gone on to be selected in the NFL Draft, including first-round picks Bud Dupree and Bjoern Werner.
- Guided defenses that have led their respective conferences in various statistical categories.
- Coached two conference defensive players of the year: Bjoern Werner (ACC) and Nick Bunting (Conference USA).
- Under his guidance, several players have earned All-Conference honors and Freshman All-American recognition.
DJ Eliot Net Worth and Income
While DJ Eliot’s exact net worth is not publicly available, his income has been a matter of public record due to his positions at state universities. In his role as defensive coordinator at the University of Kansas, he signed a three-year deal worth $1.85 million. His current contract as the defensive coordinator at NC State has him earning an annual salary of $900,000. These figures reflect his standing as a highly sought-after and experienced coach in the competitive world of college football. His primary source of income is his salary from his coaching positions.
Legacy and Influence
DJ Eliot has built a legacy as a brilliant defensive mind and a developer of talent. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a multiple and aggressive defensive scheme, often a hybrid 3-4 alignment, that is designed to be complex for opposing offenses yet simple for his players to execute. He is known for his ability to adapt his strategies to the personnel he has and to the specific challenges posed by each opponent. His influence can be seen in the significant improvements many defensive units have made under his leadership, often becoming nationally ranked in key statistical areas like sacks and tackles for loss. Beyond the X’s and O’s, Eliot is respected for his ability to connect with and develop his players, both on and off the field. His mentorship has helped numerous athletes achieve their goals of playing in the NFL. He is also considered a thought-leader on the principles of the 3-4 defense.
Interesting Facts about DJ Eliot
- His first name is Darin.
- He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in both football and basketball.
- He is an avid fly fisherman, a hobby he shares with his son.
- Eliot is a country music fan.
- Despite his extensive career, he has never served as a head coach.
- His coaching journey has taken him across the country, with positions in every major Power Five conference.
Controversies
There are no known controversies associated with DJ Eliot in the public record. He has maintained a professional and respected career throughout his many years in coaching.
Social Media Presence
DJ Eliot maintains a private presence on social media. While there may be accounts under his name, none are publicly verified and actively used for general public engagement.
Final Words about DJ Eliot
DJ Eliot’s career is a testament to his enduring passion for football and his commitment to the art of coaching. From his early days as a graduate assistant to his current role as a respected defensive coordinator at a major Division I program, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to build formidable defenses and mentor young athletes. His journey through the collegiate ranks and the NFL has provided him with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of his daughter, Eliot has shown immense strength and continues to be a respected leader in the football community. As he continues his tenure at NC State, the expectation is that his defensive units will be characterized by their toughness, intelligence, and relentless pursuit of excellence, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sharpest defensive minds in the game.
