Clarence Brooks (American football)

Clarence Brooks (October 20, 1951 – September 17, 2016) was an American football coach. He served as a defensive line coach in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cleveland Browns (1999-2000), Miami Dolphins (2003-2004) and Baltimore Ravens (2005-2016).

Brooks played college football at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He began his coaching career at his alma mater as a graduate assistant. He subsequently held coaching positions at various college programs, including the University of Arizona, Syracuse University, and the University of Kentucky.

During his time in the NFL, Brooks was highly regarded for his ability to develop defensive linemen. With the Ravens, he oversaw a consistently strong defensive front, coaching players such as Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs, and Michael McCrary. He was known for his intensity and passion for the game.

Brooks died of esophageal cancer on September 17, 2016, at the age of 64.