Football | February 27
DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University football program has announced the hire of Chris West as Defensive Ends Coach. West comes to DeKalb from Elon, serving as the defensive line coach for the Phoenix during the 2025 season.
"We're excited to welcome Chris West to our staff as our Defensive Ends coach," said interim Head Coach Rob Harley. "Chris has been a part of some of the top sack defenses in the country and among the leaders in rushing defense, it was critical for us to add someone who understands how to sustain and elevate that standard."
Elon led the Coastal Athletic Association in rushing defense with 117.3 yards per game in 2025. The Phoenix had 39 sacks last season, a program record that led the CAA and ranked fifth in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Defensive lineman Kahmari Brown earned Second Team All-American by the Associated Press, breaking the Elon single-season sack record with 12 under West. Brown earned All-American honors from several outlets, including Phil Steele and FCS Football Central.
"Chris has a proven track record of developing edge players who can disrupt the passer and set a physical edge in the run game," said Harley. "His ability to create relationships, teach technique and build toughness up front fits exactly with what our defensive identity is all about."
West served as the defensive line coach at North Carolina A&T during the 2024 season. The Aggies finished the year with 53 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. Defensive end Henry Daniel ranked sixth in the CAA with 14 tackles for loss, including 5.5 sacks.
Prior to North Carolina A&T, West was on the Columbia staff from 2022-23. Defensive lineman Justin Townsend earned Second Team All-Ivy in 2022, finishing the season with 28 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. The Lions gave up 3.17 yards per rush, ranking fifth in the FCS.
West served as the defensive line coach at Delta State University from 2020-21, helping defensive lineman Tim Williams Jr. earn First Team All-Gulf South Conference honors. West joined the Delta State staff following a two-year stop at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala.
While at Huntingdon College, the Hawks won the 2019 USA South Conference Championship and defensive lineman DeAnte Griffith earned USA South All-Region honors.
A 2016 graduate of Valdosta State, West earned a bachelor's degree in multi/interdisciplinary studies while playing for the Blazers. West began his coaching career at his alma mater from 2016 to 2017.
