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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
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Bellantoni , Roc
Roc Bellantoni
- Title:
- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
At Florida Atlantic
Returned to Florida Atlantic University in December of 2022 as the Owls’ defensive coordinator. His reunion with FAU places atop the defense a 30-year a coaching veteran. Someone who has worked as a defensive coordinator 15 seasons, not including several stints as interim coordinators and one as an acting head coach. He has coached at every level, been a part of seven conference championships, seven FCS playoffs, and three bowl games. More importantly for Florida Atlantic, it marks the return of someone instrumental in recruiting many of the Owls that made the 2017 and 2018 Conference USA and Boca Raton Bowl Championships a reality.
Under Bellantoni's watch in 2024, true freshman safety CJ Heard had instant impact, leading the nation in freshman tackles for much of the season and finishing with a team-high 80 tackles, good enough to earn a spot on the All American Athletic Conference third team.
In 2023, Bellantoni's defensive unit tied a team record for tackles for loss in a season with 88, ranking seventh nationally, and tied the single-game team record with 15 against East Carolina. Following the season, senior DL Evan Anderson earned an NFL opportunity, becoming a rotational piece on the San Francisco 49ers, d-line. Anderson received All-AAC third team honors along with graduate safety Jarron Morris.
Roc Bellantoni
His 2023 Owl defense shifted from a spring concern to a season strength. FAU defense held opponents to 25.5 points per game a three-year low despite playing five teams that played for a 2022 conference title game. Florida Atlantic's defense ended the year ranked No. 29 nationally in defensive TDs. The Owls defense was aggressive finishing 2023 ranked No. 12 in team tackles for a loss, bolstered by 13 tackles for a loss versus USF and ultimately ending the season 88 TFL, tying the program record set in 2019 a season that FAU play a total of 14 games compared to 12 in 2023. Jackson Ambush, joined the Owls after receiving his undergraduate degree and under Bellantoni's tutelage Jackson ended his first campaign at FAU and playing FBS football with a team leading 89 tackles, which ranked No. 5 among all AAC tacklers.
At Auburn
Began his career with the Tigers as a defensive analyst. In February 2022 he was elevated to edge linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. Auburn would soon draw upon Bellantoni’s experience not only as a position coach, but to help usher the Tigers through a mid-season coaching change. The Tiger’s top-three tackles leaders were linebackers, including edge Derick Hall, who tallied 60 tackles, including a team-leading 12 tackles for a loss of which seven were sacks. Hall added an interception, seven quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one recovery to his 2022 statistics.
At Utah State
Served as Utah State’s special teams coordinator and defensive assistant coach during the uncharted COVID-19 affected season. Just three games into his tenure at Utah State, a head coaching change was made elevating the Aggies defensive coordinator to interim head coach. The staff shuffled duties for the Mountain West Conference-only season, during which he served as the Aggies interim defensive coordinator for two games.
Washington State
Spending the 2019 season as the interim defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Washington State. Helped the Cougars to an appearance in the Cheez-It Bowl. At WSU, two of his players earned all-Pac 12 honors in junior Jahad Woods (honorable mention) and freshman Travion Brown (second team all-purpose). Woods finished the regular season ninth in the country and second in the Pac-12 with 121 tackles, most by a Cougar since 1996. He also led the team with 10 tackles for loss, recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles, while posting team highs in tackles 10 times, including the final nine games. Woods recorded eight games with 10-plus tackles.
At Buffalo
Following FAU, Bellantoni served as the director of player personnel/defensive assistant. Buffalo would end the season with a 6-6 record, including a 34-31 win over a Lane Kiffin led FAU squad. The matchup was bittersweet for Bellantoni and the Owls. Azeez Al-Shaair, a Bellantoni mentee missed the game versus his former position coach with an arm injury; however, it was a game that FAU would find its future C-USA and Bowl Championship quarterback.
In 2018, Bellantoni was elevated to special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach. His efforts led Chuck Harris to continue his career of accolades. Harris was a two-time and 2018 First-Team All-Mid- American Conference selection. He led Buffalo in sacks and was selected to play in the 2019 Tropical Bowl. The Bulls’ defense ranked second in the MAC, helping Buffalo to the 2018 Dollar General Bowl, winning the MAC East Division.
At Florida Atlantic
Bellantoni joined the FAU football coaching staff in December of 2014 with the task of reinventing a defense that had flourished the year before behind the efforts of two linebackers and a corner who continued their careers on NFL rosters. Not an easy request, but he did so behind the efforts of returning all-conference selections D'Joun Smith, at corner, and Andrae Kirk, at linebacker. Both players had been consistent starters during their four-year playing careers, both were accustomed to adjustments, and both would later have a shot in the NFL. Bellantoni was the duo’s fourth defensive coordinator in four seasons. Kirk would go onto lead the Owls in tackles, with 103, and became the program's all-time tackle assists leader, while Smith had a team leading eight passes defended and 53 tackles. Often times, the duo were two of just three seniors on the field. Kirk ended the season ranked No. 3 among C-USA tacklers and signed as an NFL free agent with Arizona and completed his first professional season in Canada. Smith was No. 16 nationally in kick returns and No. 43 in recovered fumbles he was a third-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts. The defensive side of the ball also worked through injuries, losing an experienced defensive lineman and a linebacker to season ending injuries. Following his first season with the Owls Bellantoni was named Conference USA Recruiter of the Year by Scout.com.
Bellantoni began 2015, his second with the Owls, with several holes to fill and in many cases, it was freshmen or redshirt freshmen who stepped up to the challenge. Just four positions saw the same starters play each of the squad’s 12 games. The season finale starting unit was comprised of four seniors, one junior, one sophomore and five freshmen. Despite its youth, the Owls’ defense improved its national ranking 40 spots between 2014-15 and 2015-16. FAU’s red zone defense was ranked No. 13 at season’s end. Owl defenders tallied 26 points in 2015 and were ranked No. 8 nationally in defensive TDs and No. 13 in sacks. Individually, four Owls were ranked among the nation’s leaders in interceptions with senior Cre’von LeBlanc leading the way at No. 39, nationally. Junior Trey Hendrickson was No. 2 nationally in both sacks and forced fumbles and freshman Azeez Al-Shaair was named Freshman All-American by the USA Today.
2016 was a year that saw Owls’ defensive end Trey Hendrickson flourish. Hendrickson began the year as the Conference USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and he performed as one throughout the season despite playing with a new combination to his left. Hendrickson ended his storied career, three seasons of which under Bellantoni, as the program’s all-time leader in sacks, tackles for loss, quarterback hurries and forced fumbles. Hendrickson concluded the regular season No. 1 nationally in blocked kicks and he helped the offensive unit set the all-time single-season rushing touchdown record as the lead blocker in third and short and the goal line attack, yes playing on both sides of the ball. Bellantoni oversaw the continued development of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Young, who were one-two in tackle efforts. Both earned 2016 C-USA Honorable Mention honors along with Hendrickson’s First Team efforts. Hendrickson concluded the award season named PFF Second Team All-American and would later excel in the NFL.
At Villanova
Bellantoni coached two seasons at Villanova. While at Villanova, he focused on the Wildcats defensive line and served as special teams’ coordinator. He also began building his resume as a Florida recruiter.
The 2013 Villanova team finished the season ranked No. 6 in the NCAA SRS rankings. He coached All-CAA defensive lineman Rakim Cox and Antoine Lewis as well as All-CAA punter Mark Hamilton.
In 2012, Bellantoni had four players earn All-CAA honors. On defense, nose guard Antoine Lewis and defensive end Rakim Cox were both first team All-Conference honorees and senior defensive end Marlon Johnson was a second team selection. On special teams, sophomore Poppy Livers garnered third team All-CAA distinction as a punt returner. Bellantoni's 2012 punt return unit led the CAA with a return average of 16.8 per game. Villanova won the CAA championship and received the automatic bid to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs.
Eastern Illinois
He served as an assistant from 2001-11 while working his way up the storied program's coaching ladder to associate head coach. He was the defensive coordinator from 2002-11 and the associate head coach from 2007-11. Bellantoni helped Eastern Illinois win five Ohio Valley Conference Championships (2009, 2006, 2005, 2002, and 2001) and make six NCAA playoff appearances. During the 2007 season, he served as acting head coach for the final regular-season game and the first round FCS playoff game. During the 2006 campaign, his defense led the nation in turnovers forced with 36. Throughout his tenure as the Eastern Illinois defensive coordinator, Bellantoni coached three Ohio Valley Conference Defenders of the Year, including Donald Thomas (2006), Clint Sellers (2005) and Nick Ricks (2002).
Drake University
First collegiate coordinating experience came as the defensive coordinator at Drake University. In 2000, Drake earned a share of the Pioneer League title as Bellantoni's defense forced 26 turnovers and tallied 36 sacks. He also was a part of the 1998 Drake team that captured the conference championship.
Began his collegiate coaching career at Buena Vista University in 1995.
High School Coaching Experience
Began his coaching career at Mamaroneck High School (New York) where he coached in 1993 and 1994.
Playing Career
Education: Iona ’93, Business Administration Management
Family: He and his wife, Jenny, have four sons, Gino, Marco, Ricky and Nico
Bowl Games (3)
Auburn- Birmingham Bowl, 2021
Washington State – Cheez-It, 2019
Buffalo – Dollar General, 2018
FCS Playoffs (7)
Villanova – First Round, 2012
Eastern Illinois – First Round, 2009; First Round, 2007; First Round, 2006; First Round, 2005; First Round, 2002; First Round, 2001
Conference Championships (7)
Buffalo – Mid-American East Division, 2018
Villanova – Colonial Athletic Association, 2012
Eastern Illinois – Ohio Valley, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2002, 2001
Returned to Florida Atlantic University in December of 2022 as the Owls’ defensive coordinator. His reunion with FAU places atop the defense a 30-year a coaching veteran. Someone who has worked as a defensive coordinator 15 seasons, not including several stints as interim coordinators and one as an acting head coach. He has coached at every level, been a part of seven conference championships, seven FCS playoffs, and three bowl games. More importantly for Florida Atlantic, it marks the return of someone instrumental in recruiting many of the Owls that made the 2017 and 2018 Conference USA and Boca Raton Bowl Championships a reality.
Under Bellantoni's watch in 2024, true freshman safety CJ Heard had instant impact, leading the nation in freshman tackles for much of the season and finishing with a team-high 80 tackles, good enough to earn a spot on the All American Athletic Conference third team.
In 2023, Bellantoni's defensive unit tied a team record for tackles for loss in a season with 88, ranking seventh nationally, and tied the single-game team record with 15 against East Carolina. Following the season, senior DL Evan Anderson earned an NFL opportunity, becoming a rotational piece on the San Francisco 49ers, d-line. Anderson received All-AAC third team honors along with graduate safety Jarron Morris.
Roc Bellantoni
His 2023 Owl defense shifted from a spring concern to a season strength. FAU defense held opponents to 25.5 points per game a three-year low despite playing five teams that played for a 2022 conference title game. Florida Atlantic's defense ended the year ranked No. 29 nationally in defensive TDs. The Owls defense was aggressive finishing 2023 ranked No. 12 in team tackles for a loss, bolstered by 13 tackles for a loss versus USF and ultimately ending the season 88 TFL, tying the program record set in 2019 a season that FAU play a total of 14 games compared to 12 in 2023. Jackson Ambush, joined the Owls after receiving his undergraduate degree and under Bellantoni's tutelage Jackson ended his first campaign at FAU and playing FBS football with a team leading 89 tackles, which ranked No. 5 among all AAC tacklers.
At Auburn
Began his career with the Tigers as a defensive analyst. In February 2022 he was elevated to edge linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. Auburn would soon draw upon Bellantoni’s experience not only as a position coach, but to help usher the Tigers through a mid-season coaching change. The Tiger’s top-three tackles leaders were linebackers, including edge Derick Hall, who tallied 60 tackles, including a team-leading 12 tackles for a loss of which seven were sacks. Hall added an interception, seven quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one recovery to his 2022 statistics.
At Utah State
Served as Utah State’s special teams coordinator and defensive assistant coach during the uncharted COVID-19 affected season. Just three games into his tenure at Utah State, a head coaching change was made elevating the Aggies defensive coordinator to interim head coach. The staff shuffled duties for the Mountain West Conference-only season, during which he served as the Aggies interim defensive coordinator for two games.
Washington State
Spending the 2019 season as the interim defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Washington State. Helped the Cougars to an appearance in the Cheez-It Bowl. At WSU, two of his players earned all-Pac 12 honors in junior Jahad Woods (honorable mention) and freshman Travion Brown (second team all-purpose). Woods finished the regular season ninth in the country and second in the Pac-12 with 121 tackles, most by a Cougar since 1996. He also led the team with 10 tackles for loss, recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles, while posting team highs in tackles 10 times, including the final nine games. Woods recorded eight games with 10-plus tackles.
At Buffalo
Following FAU, Bellantoni served as the director of player personnel/defensive assistant. Buffalo would end the season with a 6-6 record, including a 34-31 win over a Lane Kiffin led FAU squad. The matchup was bittersweet for Bellantoni and the Owls. Azeez Al-Shaair, a Bellantoni mentee missed the game versus his former position coach with an arm injury; however, it was a game that FAU would find its future C-USA and Bowl Championship quarterback.
In 2018, Bellantoni was elevated to special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach. His efforts led Chuck Harris to continue his career of accolades. Harris was a two-time and 2018 First-Team All-Mid- American Conference selection. He led Buffalo in sacks and was selected to play in the 2019 Tropical Bowl. The Bulls’ defense ranked second in the MAC, helping Buffalo to the 2018 Dollar General Bowl, winning the MAC East Division.
At Florida Atlantic
Bellantoni joined the FAU football coaching staff in December of 2014 with the task of reinventing a defense that had flourished the year before behind the efforts of two linebackers and a corner who continued their careers on NFL rosters. Not an easy request, but he did so behind the efforts of returning all-conference selections D'Joun Smith, at corner, and Andrae Kirk, at linebacker. Both players had been consistent starters during their four-year playing careers, both were accustomed to adjustments, and both would later have a shot in the NFL. Bellantoni was the duo’s fourth defensive coordinator in four seasons. Kirk would go onto lead the Owls in tackles, with 103, and became the program's all-time tackle assists leader, while Smith had a team leading eight passes defended and 53 tackles. Often times, the duo were two of just three seniors on the field. Kirk ended the season ranked No. 3 among C-USA tacklers and signed as an NFL free agent with Arizona and completed his first professional season in Canada. Smith was No. 16 nationally in kick returns and No. 43 in recovered fumbles he was a third-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts. The defensive side of the ball also worked through injuries, losing an experienced defensive lineman and a linebacker to season ending injuries. Following his first season with the Owls Bellantoni was named Conference USA Recruiter of the Year by Scout.com.
Bellantoni began 2015, his second with the Owls, with several holes to fill and in many cases, it was freshmen or redshirt freshmen who stepped up to the challenge. Just four positions saw the same starters play each of the squad’s 12 games. The season finale starting unit was comprised of four seniors, one junior, one sophomore and five freshmen. Despite its youth, the Owls’ defense improved its national ranking 40 spots between 2014-15 and 2015-16. FAU’s red zone defense was ranked No. 13 at season’s end. Owl defenders tallied 26 points in 2015 and were ranked No. 8 nationally in defensive TDs and No. 13 in sacks. Individually, four Owls were ranked among the nation’s leaders in interceptions with senior Cre’von LeBlanc leading the way at No. 39, nationally. Junior Trey Hendrickson was No. 2 nationally in both sacks and forced fumbles and freshman Azeez Al-Shaair was named Freshman All-American by the USA Today.
2016 was a year that saw Owls’ defensive end Trey Hendrickson flourish. Hendrickson began the year as the Conference USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and he performed as one throughout the season despite playing with a new combination to his left. Hendrickson ended his storied career, three seasons of which under Bellantoni, as the program’s all-time leader in sacks, tackles for loss, quarterback hurries and forced fumbles. Hendrickson concluded the regular season No. 1 nationally in blocked kicks and he helped the offensive unit set the all-time single-season rushing touchdown record as the lead blocker in third and short and the goal line attack, yes playing on both sides of the ball. Bellantoni oversaw the continued development of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Young, who were one-two in tackle efforts. Both earned 2016 C-USA Honorable Mention honors along with Hendrickson’s First Team efforts. Hendrickson concluded the award season named PFF Second Team All-American and would later excel in the NFL.
At Villanova
Bellantoni coached two seasons at Villanova. While at Villanova, he focused on the Wildcats defensive line and served as special teams’ coordinator. He also began building his resume as a Florida recruiter.
The 2013 Villanova team finished the season ranked No. 6 in the NCAA SRS rankings. He coached All-CAA defensive lineman Rakim Cox and Antoine Lewis as well as All-CAA punter Mark Hamilton.
In 2012, Bellantoni had four players earn All-CAA honors. On defense, nose guard Antoine Lewis and defensive end Rakim Cox were both first team All-Conference honorees and senior defensive end Marlon Johnson was a second team selection. On special teams, sophomore Poppy Livers garnered third team All-CAA distinction as a punt returner. Bellantoni's 2012 punt return unit led the CAA with a return average of 16.8 per game. Villanova won the CAA championship and received the automatic bid to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs.
Eastern Illinois
He served as an assistant from 2001-11 while working his way up the storied program's coaching ladder to associate head coach. He was the defensive coordinator from 2002-11 and the associate head coach from 2007-11. Bellantoni helped Eastern Illinois win five Ohio Valley Conference Championships (2009, 2006, 2005, 2002, and 2001) and make six NCAA playoff appearances. During the 2007 season, he served as acting head coach for the final regular-season game and the first round FCS playoff game. During the 2006 campaign, his defense led the nation in turnovers forced with 36. Throughout his tenure as the Eastern Illinois defensive coordinator, Bellantoni coached three Ohio Valley Conference Defenders of the Year, including Donald Thomas (2006), Clint Sellers (2005) and Nick Ricks (2002).
Drake University
First collegiate coordinating experience came as the defensive coordinator at Drake University. In 2000, Drake earned a share of the Pioneer League title as Bellantoni's defense forced 26 turnovers and tallied 36 sacks. He also was a part of the 1998 Drake team that captured the conference championship.
Began his collegiate coaching career at Buena Vista University in 1995.
High School Coaching Experience
Began his coaching career at Mamaroneck High School (New York) where he coached in 1993 and 1994.
Playing Career
- Iona College (1990-1993) - three-year letter winner at defensive tackle
- University of Massachusetts (1988) - redshirted as a member of the Yankee Conference Championship team
PERSONAL
Hometown: Port Chester, NY Education: Iona ’93, Business Administration Management
Family: He and his wife, Jenny, have four sons, Gino, Marco, Ricky and Nico
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS COACHED
- TD Moultry (OLB- Pittsburgh Steelers- free agent)
- Chandler Wooten (LB- Arizona Cardinals- free agent)
- Malcolm Koonce (DE- Las Vegas Raiders- 3rd round pick)
- Ledarius Mack (OLB- Chicago Bears- free agent)
- Chuck Harris (OLB- Jacksonville Jaguars- free agent)
- Demone Harris (DE- Kansas City Chiefs- free agent)
- Azeez Al-Shaair (LB - San Francisco 49ers free agent)
- Brandin Bryant (DL - Seattle Seahawks - free agent)
- Trevon Coley (DL - Baltimore Ravens - free agent)
- Rakim Cox (DE- Minnesota Vikings free agent)
- Trey Hendrickson (DE - New Orleans Saints – 3rd round pick)
- Roosevelt Holliday (DT- NY Jets free agent)
- Tevin Homer (DB - Washington Redskins – Free Agent)
- Greg Joseph (K - Miami Dolphins – free agent)
- Andrae Kirk (LB - Arizona Cardinals free agent/CFL)
- Cre'von LeBlanc (CB - New England Patriots - free agent)
- Kory Lothe (DE- St. Louis Rams free agent)
- Fred Miller (LB- St. Louis Rams free agent)
- Herb Miller (LB - Kansas City Chiefs – free agent)
- Sharrod Neasman (S - Atlanta Falcons free agent)
- Adam Nelson (LS- Kansas City Chiefs free agent)
- Shalom Ogbonda (DL - New York Jets – Free Agent)
- Damian Parms (S - Atlanta Falcons – free agent)
- Keith Reaser (CB Francisco 49ers – 5th round pick)
- D'Joun Smith (CB - Indianapolis Colts - 3rd round pick)
- Andrew Soroh (S - Kansas City Chiefs - free agent)
- Pierre Walters (DE- Kansas City Chiefs free agent)
- Lucky Whitehead (ST/WR - Dallas Cowboys – free agent)
- Kerrith Whyte (KR/RB - Chicago Bears – 7th round pick)
BELLANTONI COACHING HISTORY
| Year | School | Position |
| 2023- | Florida Atlantic | Defensive Coordinator/LB |
| 2022 | Auburn | Assistant Coach/Edge Rushers/Special Teams |
| 2021 | Auburn | Defensive Analyst |
| 2020 | Utah State | Special Teams Coordinator/LB |
| 2019 | Washington State | Interim Defensive Coordinator/LB |
| 2018 | Buffalo | Special Teams Coordinator/DE |
| 2017 | Buffalo | Director of Player Personnel |
| 2014-16 | Florida Atlantic | Defensive Coordinator |
| 2012-13 | Villanova | Special Teams coordinator/DL |
| 2007-11 | Eastern Illinois | Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/LB/DL |
| 2007 | Eastern Illinois | Acting Head Coach |
| 2002-06 | Eastern Illinois | Defensive Coordinator/LB |
| 2001 | Eastern Illinois | Recruiting Coordinator/DL |
| 2000 | Drake | Defensive Coordinator/LB |
| 1998-99 | Drake | Defensive Line |
| 1995-97 | Buena Vista | Defensive Line |
| 1993-94 | Mamaroneck (N.Y.) HS | Offensive Line/ Defensive Line |
Bowl Games (3)
Auburn- Birmingham Bowl, 2021
Washington State – Cheez-It, 2019
Buffalo – Dollar General, 2018
FCS Playoffs (7)
Villanova – First Round, 2012
Eastern Illinois – First Round, 2009; First Round, 2007; First Round, 2006; First Round, 2005; First Round, 2002; First Round, 2001
Conference Championships (7)
Buffalo – Mid-American East Division, 2018
Villanova – Colonial Athletic Association, 2012
Eastern Illinois – Ohio Valley, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2002, 2001
Inside the Owls' Burrow S10, EP5
Wednesday, September 10
Inside The Owls' Burrow S10 Ep5 Trailer
Monday, September 08
Post Game Recap vs FAMU
Saturday, September 06
Gemari Sands Post FAMU
Saturday, September 06
