Joseph "Joe" DeForest (born c. 1965) is an American football coach, primarily known for his extensive career as a special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. He has coached for numerous high-profile collegiate programs across multiple conferences.
Early Life and Playing Career: DeForest played college football as a defensive back at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette).
Coaching Career: DeForest's coaching career spans several decades, with a focus on special teams and the defensive secondary. His notable coaching stops include:
- Oklahoma State University: DeForest had a significant and impactful tenure at Oklahoma State, where he coached defensive backs and later served as the special teams coordinator and safeties coach. During his time, Oklahoma State's special teams units often achieved high national rankings.
- University of Kansas: He held the role of defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator for the Jayhawks.
- University of Southern Mississippi: DeForest also coached at Southern Miss.
- Duke University: He served on the coaching staff for the Blue Devils.
- University of Houston: At Houston, he was the special teams coordinator and safeties coach.
- West Virginia University: He coached special teams and safeties for the Mountaineers.
- Kansas State University: DeForest contributed as a special teams and defensive backs coach for the Wildcats.
- Iowa State University: He served as the special teams coordinator and safeties coach for the Cyclones.
- NC State University: Later in his career, he worked as a defensive analyst for the Wolfpack.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact: Throughout his career, DeForest has developed a reputation for his expertise in structuring and executing effective special teams units. His teams have frequently been noted for strong performance in punt and kick return coverage, as well as blocking schemes. He is also recognized for his ability to develop defensive backs. DeForest has worked under several prominent head coaches, contributing to the success of various programs across different collegiate conferences.