Auburn University has announced the hiring of DeMarcus Van Dyke as the new cornerbacks coach for its football program. This decision comes as part of head coach Alex Golesh‘s effort to enhance the team’s defensive strategy and recruiting capabilities.
In a statement, Golesh expressed enthusiasm about Van Dyke joining the coaching staff. “We are thrilled to bring Coach DVD to Auburn,” he said. “He has an elite ability to build genuine relationships with his players and develop them at the highest level. His NFL experience brings a valuable perspective to our program.” Golesh emphasized that Van Dyke’s connections in key recruiting areas will be instrumental in attracting top talent.
Van Dyke arrives at Auburn after two successful seasons as the cornerbacks coach at the University of South Florida (USF). He previously held the same position at Florida International University (FIU) and has extensive experience from his time at his alma mater, the University of Miami, where he served in various roles from 2018 to 2022.
During his tenure at USF, Van Dyke had a significant impact on the Bulls’ defense. The team achieved 16 wins over two seasons, and under his guidance, the defense improved its scoring average by nearly a touchdown from his first year to the second. In 2025, USF ranked seventh nationally in turnovers gained, largely due to leading the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and ranking 13th overall with 14 interceptions. This achievement tied for the most interceptions in a season since 2017.
Notably, cornerback DeShawn Rucker thrived under Van Dyke’s leadership, earning First Team All-AAC honors by compiling 55 tackles, including 39 solo stops, along with an interception and four passes defended. Recognizing his contributions, Van Dyke was named to the American Football Coaches Association’s 35 under 35 list in December 2024, highlighting his promise as a rising coaching talent.
Van Dyke’s coaching career began in 2017 at ASA College, where he focused on cornerbacks. He then joined the Miami Hurricanes’ staff as a defensive quality control analyst in 2018, later transitioning to recruiting roles before being promoted to cornerbacks coach in 2021. His experience also includes a season as cornerbacks coach at FIU.
A dual-sport athlete, Van Dyke played both football and competed in track at the University of Miami. He participated in 51 games from 2007 to 2010, recording 80 tackles, 10 passes defended, three interceptions, and three tackles for loss.
Following his collegiate career, Van Dyke was selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Over six seasons in the NFL, he played for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons. Throughout his professional career, he appeared in 25 games, accumulating 17 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
Originally from Miami Gardens, Florida, Van Dyke is married to Kiawana, and they have two children, a son named DeMarcus Jr. and a daughter named Kai. His hiring at Auburn represents a significant step in his coaching career and an opportunity to contribute to the program’s development on and off the field.
