Steve Morrison joins the Sycamores as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in the spring of 2026 following a six-year stint at Bowling Green State University. He’s added stops at Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, and Michigan over his coaching career.
Morrison served as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Bowling Green State University from 2023-25. In 2024, his defense ranked among the nation’s top 35 in total defense (32nd, 331 yds/p/g), scoring defense (30th, 21.6 pts/p/g), third-down defense (27th, .339), red zone defense (26th, .769), and passing yards allowed (24th, 185 yds/p/g), while linebacker Joseph Sipp earned First Team All-MAC honors. The team went 7-6 (6-2 MAC), appeared in the 68 Venture Bowl, and earned its third consecutive bowl game. In 2023, the defense ranked 12th in pass defense (180 yds/p/g), 25th in total defense (326 yds/p/g), led the nation in turnovers gained (28), and posted the sixth-largest improvement in total defense nationally.
Before that, Morrison was associate head coach for the linebackers at Bowling Green from 2019-22. During that time, the program went 7-6 in 2019 with a Quick Lane Bowl appearance and recorded its first winning conference record and bowl appearance since 2015 in 2022 (6-7, 5-3 MAC). Standout linebackers he coached include Darren Anders, First Team All-MAC and MAC’s leading tackler in 2021, and Kolby Coleman, Third Team All-MAC in 2019.
Prior to Bowling Green, Morrison spent the 2011-12 season at Syracuse University as the linebackers coach. During this season, Syracuse earned a share of the Big East title and won the Pinstripe Bowl in 2012, while the defense ranked 32nd nationally in rushing defense. He coached NFL players Marquis Spruill (Atlanta Falcons, 5th round) and Cam Lynch (Rams/Buccaneers, free agent), and also worked with Siriki Diabate, who went on to become the assistant run game coordinator and linebackers coach at UConn.
Morrison spent the 2009-11 seasons at Eastern Michigan University, where he served as the linebackers coach. In 2011, the team finished 6-6, marking EMU’s best record since 1995, and he coached linebacker Justin Cudworth, who earned Third Team All-MAC honors.
Morrison began his collegiate coaching career at Western Michigan University. From 2005-2007, Morrison served as assistant head coach, linebackers and defensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator. During this time, he mentored standout players who achieved national and conference recognition. In 2005, freshman defensive lineman Nick Varcadipane earned Freshman All-American honors under his guidance. In 2006, linebacker Ameer Ismail, developed by Morrison, led the nation in sacks (17) and tackles for loss (25.5), was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and earned All-American and First Team All-MAC honors, while the defense led the nation in interceptions (24) and set a MAC record for fewest rushing yards allowed per game (76.1). In 2007, he helped guide linebacker Boston McCornell to Second Team All-MAC honors and contributed to the team’s International Bowl appearance.
In 2008, Morrison continued was promoted to the defensive coordinator for the linebackers where he mentored linebackers Austin Pritchard (1st Team All-MAC, 2nd Team in 2009) and Boston McCornell (3rd Team All-MAC) as the program posted a 9-4 record (6-2 MAC) and appeared in the Texas Bowl. That season, the defense ranked 2nd in the MAC in sacks and 3rd in total and rushing defense. Over his full tenure at Western Michigan, Morrison’s leadership and player development helped the team achieve a 24-15 MAC record.
Morrison was a captain and earned All–Big Ten honors at linebacker while lettering for five seasons at the University of Michigan. During his career, he helped lead his program to three Big Ten championships and appeared in the Rose Bowl in 1991 and 1992, winning both games. He also competed in and won the Gator Bowl, Hall of Fame Bowl, and Holiday Bowl. Morrison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and communications.
Following graduation Morrison signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 1995 and played four seasons with the organization from 1995-99. During his tenure, he made 31 starts at inside and outside linebacker and was part of teams that reached the AFC Championship Game in 1995 and the AFC Playoffs in 1996. In recognition of his toughness and on-field impact, he was named the team’s “Hard Nosed” Player of the Year in 1997.
After his stint in the NFL, he served at the University of Michigan as a graduate assistant working with the outside linebackers from 2002-04. During his time on staff, Michigan captured back-to-back Big Ten championships in 2003 and 2004, earning Rose Bowl appearances both years and finishing the seasons ranked #6 and #12 in the AP Poll, respectively. He coached standout players including Lamar Woodley and Pierre Woods, both of whom earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors. In 2002, he contributed in a quality control role as the team competed in the Outback Bowl and finished the season ranked #9 in the AP Poll.
