Brock Spack

Position: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Former Purdue standout Brock Spack is in his 12th year as defensive coordinator. In 2008, he returns to coaching the linebackers - the position he worked with from 1997 to 2005 - after a two-year stint with the safeties.

Spack was named one of the nation's top linebacker coaches by Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com in June of 2008.

From 2000 to 2004, the Purdue defense became one of the stingiest units in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers were tops in total defense in 2002 (317.2 yards per game) - the first time they had been No. 1 since 1967 - after ranking third in 2000 and 2001. They were third in 2003, as well, ranking 13th nationally.

Under Spack, Purdue has scored 21 defensive touchdowns (10 via fumble returns, 10 on interceptions and one combination). The Boilermakers have averaged 27.5 takeaways per year, leading to a plus-34 turnover margin. In 2001, Purdue ranked tied for second nationally with 36 takeaways and 18 fumble recoveries.

Seven members of the 2003 defense were selected in the 2004 National Football League draft: Gilbert Gardner, Landon Johnson, Niko Koutouvides, Shaun Phillips, Jacques Reeves, Stuart Schweigert and Craig Terrill. All told, 27 Purdue defensive players have gone on to the NFL during Spack's tenure.

As defensive coordinator at Wyoming in 1995 and 1996, Spack recharged the defense, which improved from fifth to second in total defense in the Western Athletic Conference. The Cowboys topped the WAC in sacks during his two years, including a school-record 46 in 1996.

Spack was Purdue's inside linebackers coach from 1991 to 1994 and was a graduate assistant coach for the Boilermakers in 1984 and 1985. He served under current Purdue head coach Joe Tiller, who was defensive coordinator from 1983 to 1986. Spack coached All-Big Ten linebacker Jim Schwantz, a 1996 NFL Pro Bowl selection and a key member of the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl XXX championship team.

From 1987 to 1990, Spack was an assistant at Eastern Illinois (linebackers/defensive line/recruiting coordinator) and in 1986 was at Wabash College (defensive line/strength coach).

Spack graduated from Purdue in 1984 with a B.S. in social studies. He earned an M.S. in physical education from Eastern Illinois in 1990. Spack played linebacker for the Boilermakers from 1980 to 1983, earning first team All-Big Ten and honorable mention All-America honors as a sophomore. He was a three-year starter and currently ranks fifth on the Boilermakers' career tackles list with 384.

A native of Rockford, Ill., Spack (born Jan. 5, 1962) and his wife, Aimee, have two children, Alicia and Brent. Alicia is a senior softball player at Purdue.