Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
LANGUAGES
Affiliations
Timeline
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Generic
KAI ELLIS

KAI ELLIS

KENT,US

Summary

College football coach with over 11 years of extensive expertise in defensive coaching and player development. Demonstrates strong leadership in recruiting and managing teams, effectively enhancing player performance through strategic workout programming and game planning. Committed to fostering academic and athletic balance, leveraging knowledge of NCAA regulations to ensure compliance and success.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

COACH

Ottawa Redblacs
Ottawa, ON
02.2025 - Current
  • Defensive Line Coach with 10+ years of experience developing dominant defensive fronts for professional football organizations.
  • Adept at using film analysis and data analytics to design and execute innovative game plans and player development strategies.
  • Evaluated game footage to provide detailed assessments for performance improvement strategies.
  • Collaborated with other coaches to share best practices, techniques, and insights for overall program improvement.
  • Managed practice schedules, ensuring efficient use of time and resources for optimal results.
  • Enhanced players' strategic understanding, by conducting detailed video analysis sessions.
  • Proficiency in scouting software (e.g., Hudl, XOS, VISIO )

Soft skills:

  • Exceptional leadership and motivation
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Team building and fostering cohesion
  • Adaptability and problem-solving
  • Strong organizational and time management skills

COACH

Elizabeth State University
Elizabeth CIty, NC
07.2024 - Current
  • Lead defensive skill development, enhancing player performance through strategic meetings.
  • Design defensive scout cards, aiding players in mastering game tactics effectively.
  • Facilitate recruitment of local high school talent, ensuring team growth and compliance.
  • Collaborate with academic counselors, supporting player academic and athletic balance.

COACH

Buchholz High School Football
Gainesville, Florida
06.2023 - 12.2023
  • Guided defensive line skill enhancement, boosting team performance
  • Enhanced rush and pass defense, achieving consistent results
  • Collaborated on defensive game plans, improving strategic execution
  • Managed defensive coaching, ensuring comprehensive player development
  • Applied NCAA rules knowledge to optimize recruitment and eligibility

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH/LINEBACKERS

Adams State University
03.2020 - 04.2023
  • Assisted in the restructure of the football program
  • Oversaw defensive program developing/coordinating plays, structure of practices, and enhanced the skill sets of the players
  • Worked to develop players by enhancing their fundamental skills for defensive line
  • Developed new workout and practice schedule to ensure productive and disciplined athletic training
  • Consistently worked to develop players on and off the field by having an open door policy
  • Assisted coordinated defensive game plans and creating scouting reports
  • NFL Liaison
  • Communicated with faculty regarding player academics
  • Recruited competitive players from Alabama, Arizona, California, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington
  • Knowledgeable of NCAA rules and regulations especially in areas of recruitment, schedules, practices, eligibility

DEFENSIVE LINE COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
02.2018 - 01.2020
  • Assisted in the restructure of the football program
  • Oversaw defensive program developing/coordinating plays, structure of practices, and enhanced the skill sets of the players
  • Developed new workout and practice schedule to ensure productive and disciplined athletic training
  • Worked to develop players by enhancing their fundamental skills for defensive line
  • Coached All American Alani Pututau who was tied second in the nation in Sacks, Second Team RMAC Alu Taito and Honorable mention Nose Tackle Rob Luckett
  • Consistently worked to develop players on and off the field by having an open door policy
  • Assisted coordinated defensive game plans and creating scouting reports
  • Coordinated study hall for players and oversaw their academic progress
  • Communicated with faculty regarding player academics
  • Recruited competitive players from Alabama, Arizona, California, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington
  • Liaison between players and academic counselors
  • Knowledgeable of NCAA rules and regulations especially in areas of recruitment, schedules, practices, eligibility

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
03.2017 - 11.2017
  • Assisted in the restructure of the football program
  • Oversaw defensive program developing/coordinating plays, structure of practices, and enhanced the skill sets of the players
  • Managed defensive staff and Graduate Assistants
  • Directed study of film with players, scheduled meeting rooms, and implemented team meetings
  • Participated in the process of overseeing students in study hall and their academic progress
  • Recruited competitive players from Alabama, California, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Washington
  • Participated in developing summer/fall workouts and camp schedules
  • Interacted with community through service at shelters with players and children
  • Fundraising events by selling lockers to alumni and silent auctions
  • Managed budget for recruiting and team travel: hotels, transportation, food and equipment
  • Maintained inventory of equipment
  • Coordinated drug and alcohol awareness education
  • Oversaw the drug testing procedures of players
  • Assisted coordinated defensive game plans and creating scouting reports
  • Transfer student athletes GPAs increased during time at Briar Cliff
  • Knowledgeable of NCAA rules and regulations especially in areas of recruitment, schedules, practices, eligibility and personnel conductLed defensive program restructure, developing strategies and enhancing player skills. Managed staff, coordinated game plans, and oversaw academic progress.
  • Orchestrated multi-state recruitment efforts, fostering team growth. Engaged in community service initiatives, strengthening university-community bonds.
  • Implemented data-driven approach to player development, resulting in improved GPAs for transfer athletes. Ensured NCAA compliance in recruitment and operations.
  • Pioneered new defensive strategies and practice structures, elevating team performance. Developed creative fundraising events, including alumni locker sales.
  • Streamlined budget management for recruiting and team travel. Instituted comprehensive drug awareness and testing procedures, promoting athlete well-being.
  • Revolutionized defensive program, implementing cutting-edge strategies and practice structures. Elevated player performance and fostered skill development.

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/LINEBACKERS COACH

West Hills Community Coalinga
California
07.2015 - 03.2017
  • Assisted in leading team to back-to-back NCFC Division I Championships, 2015 & 2016 seasons
  • Two players nominated for First Team All-State Athletes in 2016
  • Led defense to #1 overall in California Community College division
  • Developed players in enhancing their fundamental skills on the field
  • Oversaw strength training for players in offseason and in season
  • Assisted in the process for study hall and academic fulfillment of players
  • Recruited competitive athletes from Alabama, California, Maryland, and South Carolina
  • Responsible for all aspects of coaching the defensive units
  • Management of Assistant coaches and staff
  • Prepared practice schedules
  • Designed practice scripts in coordination with offensive coaches
  • Participated in student athlete wellness education meetings
  • Assisted with students transferring to DI Collegiate institutions
  • Knowledgeable of NCAA rules and regulations especially in areas of recruitment, schedules, practices, eligibility and personnel conductLed defense to top ranking in California Community College division, coaching two All-State Athletes and securing back-to-back NCFC Division I Championships.
  • Coordinated with academic staff to ensure student-athlete success, facilitating transfers to DI institutions and maintaining NCAA compliance in recruitment and eligibility.
  • Implemented targeted strength training programs, enhancing players' fundamental skills both in-season and during off season periods.
  • Expanded recruitment reach, successfully attracting competitive athletes from multiple states, contributing to team diversity and talent pool enhancement.
  • Led defense to top ranking in California Community College division, coaching two All-State Athletes and securing back-to-back NCFC Division I Championships.

DEFENSIVE LINE COACH

Culver-Stockton College
Canton, MIssouri
05.2014 - 07.2015
  • Developed players in enhancing their fundamental skills for defensive line, 2014 season
  • Improved consistency in the rush defensive to #10 in NAIA Conference
  • Assisted coordinated defensive game plans and creating scouting reports
  • Coordinated study hall for players and oversaw their academic progress
  • Communicated with faculty regarding academics
  • Recruited competitive players from Alabama, California, Illinois and Missouri
  • Responsible for all aspects of coaching the defensive units
  • Liaison between players and academic counselors
  • Knowledgeable of NCAA rules and regulations especially in areas of recruitment, schedules, practices, eligibilityElevated defensive line performance, propelling team to #10 in NAIA Conference. Developed player skills, coordinated game plans, and managed academic progress.
  • Analyzed player strengths to enhance defensive strategies. Created detailed scouting reports, ensuring team readiness for diverse opponents.
  • Fostered strong relationships with faculty and academic counselors. Served as liaison between players and academic staff, promoting holistic athlete development.
  • Implemented creative recruitment strategies, successfully attracting top talent from multiple states. Ensured compliance with NCAA regulations throughout process.
  • Mentored players in balancing athletic and academic commitments. Coordinated study halls and monitored academic progress, supporting overall student-athlete success.
  • Elevated defensive line performance to #10 in NAIA Conference. Developed player skills, coordinated game plans, and managed academic progress.

ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE LINE COACH

University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
05.2013 - 05.2014
  • Taught defensive fundamentals to players
  • Headed up meetings with defensive ends to enhance and develop their fundamental skills
  • Created defensive scout team cards for players to study
  • Assisted in run game and pass rush techniques
  • Recruited high school players in local areas
  • Liaison between players and academic counselors
  • Knowledgeable of NCAA rules and regulations especially in areas of recruitment, schedules, practices, eligibilityLed defensive skill development sessions, enhancing player performance through targeted training and strategic game planning. Fostered player-academic liaison, ensuring NCAA compliance while supporting athletes' educational progress and eligibility. Developed creative scout team strategies, elevating team preparedness and adapting defensive techniques for diverse offensive schemes.
  • Implemented focused recruitment initiatives, identifying and attracting top local talent to strengthen the defensive line roster. Maintained meticulous adherence to NCAA regulations, safeguarding program integrity in recruitment, scheduling, and player eligibility.
  • Spearheaded defensive skill development, elevating player performance through targeted training and strategic game planning.

Education

MBA - Sports Management And Recreation

University of The Southwest
Hobbs, NM
05.2018

BA - American Ethnic Studies

University of Washington
Seattle, WA
08.2013

Associate of Arts - GENERAL STUDIES

CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO
12-2000

Skills

  • Player Development (Expert)
  • Recruiting (Expert)
  • Game Planning (Expert)
  • Scouting (Expert)
  • Workout Programming (Expert)
  • Defensive Coaching (Expert)
  • NCAA Regulations (Expert)
  • Team Management (Expert)
  • Academic Support (Expert)
  • Strength Training (Expert)
  • Leadership (Expert)
  • Communication (Expert)
  • Team development
  • Team motivation
  • Athlete development
  • Performance evaluation
  • Data evaluation
  • Coaching techniques
  • Game strategy development
  • Agility drills expert

Accomplishments

  • PAC-10 First Team Honorable Mention from The Sporting News
  • 2002 Preseason All PAC-10 First Team Honors from The Sporting News
  • Defensive MVP Honors from Coaches for effort vs. Michigan Wolverines
  • Nickname "The Creature" while playing defensive end for the Huskies
  • Defensive Player of the Year by the California Community College Football Coaches Association
  • MVP of the JC Grid-Wire National Championship Game
  • SuperPrep's highest rated Junior College defensive player and 3rd ranked JC player overall
  • MVP for City College of San Francisco's 12-0 National Championship season
  • One of five linebackers to earn a perfect 5-star rating from Rivals.com
  • Captain of the Football Team for the 2000 season
  • Golden State Conference Player of the Year 2000
  • Northern California Player of the Year 2000

LANGUAGES

English (Native)

Affiliations

(AFCA) AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION

(NCMFC) NATIONAL COALITION OF MINORITY FOOTBALL COACHES

Timeline

COACH

Ottawa Redblacs
02.2025 - Current

COACH

Elizabeth State University
07.2024 - Current

COACH

Buchholz High School Football
06.2023 - 12.2023

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH/LINEBACKERS

Adams State University
03.2020 - 04.2023

DEFENSIVE LINE COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Adams State University
02.2018 - 01.2020

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Briar Cliff University
03.2017 - 11.2017

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/LINEBACKERS COACH

West Hills Community Coalinga
07.2015 - 03.2017

DEFENSIVE LINE COACH

Culver-Stockton College
05.2014 - 07.2015

ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE LINE COACH

University of Washington
05.2013 - 05.2014

BA - American Ethnic Studies

University of Washington

MBA - Sports Management And Recreation

University of The Southwest

Associate of Arts - GENERAL STUDIES

CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
  • Defensive End – San Jose SabreCats – San Jose, CA, 2011
  • Defensive End – Edmonton Eskimos – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 2009–2011
  • Defensive End – Winnipeg Blue Bombers – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 2008
  • Middle Linebacker – Montreal Alouettes – Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2006–2008
  • Defensive End/Middle Linebacker – Ottawa Renegades – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2004–2006
  • Defensive End/Middle Linebacker – Calgary Stampeders – Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2003–2004
KAI ELLIS