Mike Dawson: A Journey Through Coaching and the Gridiron

Mike Dawson is a name synonymous with defensive prowess and a relentless pursuit of excellence in college and professional football. His career, marked by diverse experiences and a commitment to player development, has seen him impact numerous programs, including two stints at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

Early Years and Playing Career

Born on August 23, 1977, Dawson's passion for football ignited early. He honed his skills as a three-year starter at UMass-Amherst, playing both outside linebacker and defensive end from 1994 to 1996. He earned his degree in sports management from UMass-Amherst in 1997.

The Genesis of a Coaching Career

Dawson's coaching journey began immediately after his playing days. He started as UMass-Lowell's defensive line coach in the spring of 1998. In the fall of 1998, he became a defensive assistant for Maine. He then served as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) in 1999.

Ascent Through the College Ranks

In 2000, Dawson joined the coaching staff at New Hampshire, where he spent six years. He served as the Wildcats' linebackers coach in 2000 and 2002-03, the offensive line coach in 2001, and the defensive coordinator in 2004 and 2005. The 2005 Wildcats reached the FCS quarterfinals as the defense helped UNH lead the nation in takeaways with 45. From 2006 to 2008, Dawson coached the Akron linebackers. He then spent three seasons (2009-2011) as Boston College's special teams coordinator.

Transition to the NFL

Dawson transitioned to the professional ranks in 2013 when he was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive quality control coach. The Philadelphia Eagles won the NFC East and finished third in the NFL with 31 takeaways. From 2014-2015, he would coach the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line. The 2014 team completed the year fifth in the NFL by holding opponents to just 3.7 yards per rush.

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First Stint at UCF (2016-2017)

Dawson's first stint at UCF began in January 2016, when he was hired as the defensive line coach. He worked alongside defensive coordinator Erik Chinander to transform the Knights' defense. During Dawson’s tenure, UCF improved by more than 12 points per game in scoring defense, and the defense forced 58 turnovers and scored nine defensive touchdowns in his two seasons. In 2017, Dawson’s defensive line helped UCF post the first perfect season in program history and in the history of the American Athletic Conference when UCF finished 13-0 as the nation’s only undefeated team. The Knights ranked third in the league in scoring defense and fourth in rushing defense.

NFL Experience with the New York Giants

Dawson spent the 2019 season as the New York Giants' outside linebackers coach. Dawson helped Markus Golden have a stellar year, as Golden recorded a career-high 68 tackles. Golden also had 10.0 sacks, the second most in his career, and scored his first defensive touchdown.

Return to the College Ranks: Nebraska

Following his time in the NFL, Dawson returned to college football, spending four seasons on Nebraska's coaching staff. He coached Nebraska’s defensive line in 2018, before spending the 2019 season as the outside linebackers coach for the New York Giants. His defensive line featured a pair of All-Big Ten performers in his first year at Nebraska and he helped key a Cornhuskers unit that moved up 27 spots in the national scoring defense rankings from the 2017 season. In 2020, Dawson’s outside linebackers helped Nebraska rank among the top of the Big Ten Conference in total defense and lower its opponent rushing yards per attempt. Dawson played a key role in the continued improvement of the Nebraska defense in 2021. Nebraska allowed 22.7 points per game, the fewest points allowed in 11 seasons. Individually, Dawson oversaw the continued development of outside linebackers Caleb Tannor and Garrett Nelson. In 2022, Dawson coached Nebraska's defensive line and edge rushers.

Return to UCF: A Homecoming

After a year as a senior defensive analyst for Kansas in 2024 and a season at Ohio State in a similar capacity in 2023, Dawson returned to UCF. He now serves as the Knights’ defensive run game coordinator and edge coach. “I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Coach Frost’s staff,” said Dawson.

Coaching Philosophy and Impact

Dawson is known for his ability to develop players and create impactful defensive units. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, technique, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He has a proven track record of improving defenses and helping players reach their full potential.

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