Joe Rossi is the defensive coordinator / linebackers coach for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. This season, Minnesota has record two shutouts and held 7 of 10 opponents to 13 points or less, 8 of 10 opponents to 20 points or less and 9 of 10 opponents to 26 points or less. Minnesota has two shutouts on the season, a 38-0 win over New Mexico State and a 31-0 victory against Rutgers. Minnesota has recorded two shutouts in a season for the first time since 2006 and second since 1977. Georgia and Kansas State are the only other programs with two shutouts this season, but each had one against FCS foe, making Minnesota the only team to shutout two FBS teams this year. The shutout of Rutgers was the Gophers’ first Big Ten shutout victory since a 45-0 win versus Illinois on Oct. 23, 2004.
Jon Heacock is in his eighth season as defensive coordinator at Iowa State, establishing the Cyclones as one of the best defensive units nationally in his tenure in Ames.
Heacock has 38 years of coaching experience, serving as a head coach at Youngstown State (2001-09) and defensive coordinator stints at Youngstown State (1992-96, 2000), Indiana (1997-99), Kent State (2011-12) and Toledo (2014-15).
Heacock was named a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2017 and was again a nominee for the award in 2022.
Heacock’s imprint on the Cyclone defense has been evident, utilizing multiple schemes – 3-4 and 4-3 –to confound the high-powered Big 12 offenses.
Behind Heacock’s ability to limit opposing offenses efficiency, the Cyclones have thrived as a team, earning bowl berths in five of the last six seasons and making regular appearances in the national rankings.
Iowa State has ranked second (20.9- 2017), first (22.9- 2018), third (25.9- 2019), second (21.4- 2020), third (20.5, 2021) and first (20.2, 2022) in the Big 12 in scoring defense in each of the last six seasons, all totals among the top-50 nationally.
