Ken Greene

Position: Defensive Backs

Ken Greene is in his third season as defensive backs coach. He was named to the position Feb. 16, 2000.

The secondary has been a model of consistency the last two seasons, ranking third in the Big Ten Conference and 33rd in the nation in passing defense, allowing 197 and 198 yards per game.

The unit has been led by free safety Stuart Schweigert, who paced Purdue in tackles, pass breakups and interceptions his freshman and sophomore seasons. Schweigert, a junior in 2002, was named the True Freshman National Defensive Player of the Year, a freshman All-American, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and honorable mention all-conference in 2000. He was one of 12 semifinalists (the only sophomore) for the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s outstanding defensive back, fourth team All-American and first team All-Big Ten in 2001.

Another one of Greene’s pupils, cornerback Ashante Woodyard, signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2001 season.

Greene came to Purdue from Fresno State, where he served as an assistant from 1995 to 1999. He coached the linebackers and defensive backs. Greene worked as an assistant coach at Valley View High School in Caldwell, Idaho, in 1994.

Greene spent seven seasons in the National Football League as a safety with the St. Louis Cardinals (1978-82) and the San Diego Chargers (1983-84). He was the Cardinals’ second first-round selection (19th choice overall) in the 1978 draft. Greene started 12 games at strong safety in 1978 and was named to several all-rookie teams. He topped St. Louis in tackles in both 1979 (114) and 1981 (143) and also led the way with seven interceptions during the 1981 season. In a game against the Buffalo Bills in 1979, Greene intercepted three passes for 106 yards and also recovered a fumble. He was traded to San Diego for third- and eighth-round draft picks in 1982. Greene retired during the summer of 1985 after posting career totals of 518 tackles and 15 interceptions.

Greene played cornerback and safety at Washington State from 1974 to 1977. He was recruited there by current Purdue head coach Joe Tiller. Greene earned All-America honors as a senior and subsequently was named to Washington State’s “Team of the Century.” He graduated in 1978. Greene was an outstanding wide receiver at Omak (Wash.) High School.

A native of Lewiston, Idaho, Greene (born May 8, 1956) has three daughters: Lindsey, Jennifer and Melanie.

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