Northern Illinois University Athletics

After spending the 2024 season as a graduate assistant coach for the Huskie defense, Kai Ross was elevated to an assistant coach position in January 2025 and will work with the NIU safeties.
 
Ross arrived at NIU in the summer of 2024 after one season as a defensive backs coach at McKendree University, where he also added recruiting coordinator duties following the 2023 season. A pair of defensive backs earned All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors under Ross’ direction. Prior to his time at McKendree, Ross served as the safeties coach at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif. in the spring of 2023.
 
Prior to his time coaching at Saddleback College, Ross served as the quarterbacks and defensive backs coach at Huntington Beach High School (2017-19).
 
Ross began his playing career as a quarterback at Cal Poly before transferring to Saddleback College where he transitioned to the defensive back position. In the fall of 2019, he earned CCCAA All-America honors before transferring to Lindenwood University in 2020.
 
As a defensive back for the Lions, Ross garnered first team All-GLVC honors in 2021 and was a Division II second team Academic All-American in 2021. He served as a team captain during his final season in 2022.
 
During his time at Lindenwood, Ross was co-founder of the Diversity Council within the football program, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and served as one of the department’s character ambassador’s to the GLVC.
 
Ross, a native of Huntington Beach, California, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Lindenwood in 2022.