Jeff Popovich

A former standout player at Miami, Jeff Popovich is in his third year as an assistant coach for the Roadrunners. He tutors the program’s cornerbacks.

Last year, Popovich helped the defense rank in the Conference USA top five in five different statistical categories, including fifth in passing defense (229.5 ypg), and the unit forced 19 turnovers (10 fumbles/9 INTs). His cornerbacks combined for 105 tackles, 17 pass breakups and a pair of interceptions.

In his first year in the Alamo City, Popovich helped lead UTSA to a 7-5 overall record, including victories over a pair of bowl teams. The Roadrunners finished second in the C-USA West Division with a 6-2 mark in their first season in the league. Popovich helped tutor a defense that forced 14 turnovers (6 fumbles/8 INTs) and allowed just 143.1 rushing yards per game in 2013. The cornerbacks combined for 96 tackles, two interceptions, 22 pass breakups and a pair of fumble recoveries. Bennett Okotcha collected honorable mention All-Conference USA accolades.

Popovich came to UTSA after spending six seasons as an assistant coach at Florida International (FIU), where he mentored the defensive backs, served as the program’s pro liaison and was the special teams coordinator during his final year.

He tutored the Panthers secondary to eight all-conference awards and helped the unit emerge as one of the best in the Sun Belt Conference.

FIU led the league in pass efficiency defense (13th FBS), touchdown passes allowed (4th FBS), scoring defense (14th FBS) and sacks (15th FBS) and ranked second in the Sun Belt in interceptions and pass breakups in 2011. The Panthers also were first in the conference in total defense, rush defense, scoring defense and turnover margin a year earlier and they twice set the program’s single-season interception record with 15 in 2008 and again two years later.

Popovich took over the FIU special teams in 2012 and provided an immediate impact.

The Panthers ranked second the Sun Belt in kickoff returns (17th FBS) and kickoff coverage and were third in punt returns. Additionally, Richard Leonard ranked seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in kickoff returns and earned conference and national special teams player of the week accolades in November after a 100-yard return for a touchdown.

The Tucson, Ariz., native also was named one of the nation’s top recruiters at a non-Bowl Championship Series conference program by Rivals.com in 2012. He helped lead FIU to the program’s first back-to-back bowl appearances in the 2010 Little Caesars and 2011 Beef O’Brady’s Bowls.

Popovich began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Larry Coker at Miami where he worked with the defensive backs and special teams during the 2005 and ’06 seasons. The Hurricanes led the NCAA in pass defense and pass efficiency defense in 2005 behind NFL draftees Devin Hester, Kelly Jennings, Marcus Maxey, Brandon Merriweather and Kenny Phillips. Miami also made a pair of bowl appearances (2005 Chick-fil-A/2006 MPC Computers) during his tenure.

A four-year letterwinner from 1996-99 at Miami, Popovich turned into a major contributor on special teams and in nickel packages on defense. After starting his career as a receiver, he moved to defensive back and was a standout on special teams coverage units and as a holder. He saw action in all 48 games (11 starts) and recorded 154 tackles, three fumble recoveries, one interception and one forced fumble. He was a three-time Big East All-Academic Team selection and an Academic All-America candidate.

After graduation, Popovich played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2000 preseason and for the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. He also was a member of the 2001 Barcelona Dragons squad that played in the World Bowl.

He got his first taste of coaching as a student coach at Miami during the 2000 season, helping the Hurricanes to an 11-1 record, a Big East Championship and a 37-20 Sugar Bowl victory against Florida.

Prior to his collegiate career, Popovich was a star quarterback and defensive back on the football team and a record-setting track & field athlete at Sabino High School in Tucson.

Popovich earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Miami in 2000.

He is married to the former Lara Hargreaves and the couple has two daughters, Sayle and Copeleigh.

The Jeff Popovich File

Coaching Career
· 2013-present: UTSA, assistant coach
· 2007-12: Florida International, assistant coach
· 2005-06: Miami (Fla.), graduate assistant coach
· 2000: Miami (Fla.), student coach

Playing Experience
· 2000: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defenisve back
· 2001: Atlanta Falcons, defensive back
· 1996-99: Miami (Fla.), receiver/defensive back

Education
· Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, Miami (Fla.) 2000