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Phil Elmassian Position: Defensive Backs

Phil Elmassian is in his first season as defensive backs coach. He was named to the position Feb. 25, 2003.

Elmassian came to the Boilermakers from Marshall, where he coached the outside linebackers and coordinated the defensive kicking game in 2002. The Thundering Herd ranked 31st in the nation in total defense, allowing 334.0 yards per game.

Elmassian has 20 years' coaching experience at the NCAA Division I level. He previously worked at West Virginia (defensive coordinator) in 2001; LSU (defensive coordinator) in 2000; Wisconsin (defensive backs) from 1997 to 1999; Boston College (defensive coordinator) in 1996; Washington (defensive backs) in 1995; Virginia Tech (defensive coordinator) in 1993 and 1994; Syracuse (defensive backs) in 1991 and 1992; Virginia (inside linebackers) from 1987 to 1990; Virginia Tech (defensive backs) in 1985 and 1986; Minnesota (defensive backs) in 1984; and East Carolina (defensive backs) in 1983.

Elmassian has coached 17 all-conference performers and been a part of 14 bowl teams.

During Elmassian’s stint at Wisconsin, the Badgers led the nation in scoring defense in 1998 (11.9 points per game) and ranked fifth in 1999 (12.8). They were No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring defense, total defense (298.1 — 15th nationally) and passing defense (97.9 — fifth nationally) in 1999. Wisconsin became the first Big Ten school to win back-to-back Rose Bowls in 1998 and 1999, defeating the high-powered offenses of UCLA and Stanford. Cornerback Jamar Fletcher led the nation in interceptions in 1998 with seven and went on to be named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, earn consensus All-America honors and win the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s outstanding defensive back in 2000.

In 2001, West Virginia topped the nation in passing defense at 136.7 yards per game.

Elmassian began his coaching career at William & Mary in 1974 and 1975, coaching the quarterbacks and running backs. He then moved on to Richmond in the same capacity from 1976 to 1978 before going to Ferrum Junior College as defensive coordinator from 1979 to 1982.

A native of Cambridge, Mass., Elmassian played quarterback at Ferrum before transferring to William & Mary, where he was a defensive back under Lou Holtz. Elmassian (born April 28, 1951) earned a B.A. degree from William & Mary in 1974. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Claire, Dylan and Olivia.