February 19, 2019
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dom Capers, a veteran of 31 seasons as an NFL coach including two as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, has joined Jacksonville’s coaching staff as senior defensive assistant. Under Head Coach Doug Marrone, he will work closely with Defensive Coordinator Todd Wash and the team’s defensive coaches.
Capers previously served as Jaguars defensive coordinator from 1999-2000 under then-Head Coach and current Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin. In 1999, the Jaguars were 14-2 – their best record ever – and won the AFC Central Division before hosting the AFC Championship game. Capers has been the head coach of two NFL expansion teams – the Carolina Panthers from 1995-98 and the Houston Texans from 2002-05. Most recently, he was the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers from 2009-17.
“Dom Capers is one of the most respected defensive coaches in the game today, and he has been for many years,” Marrone said. “His defenses have long been among the most effective and productive in the NFL. He has career experiences and accomplishments that will benefit our coaches and our players. He adds a unique perspective and veteran presence that will be valuable assets to immediately help us. I look forward to working with Dom and having him on our staff.”
Capers’ NFL coaching career includes 17 seasons as a defensive coordinator. His first coordinator role came in 1992 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the defense ranked in the top three twice and the Steelers advanced to the playoffs all three seasons. He was defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins from 2006-07 and the Packers from 2009-17. The Packers went to the playoffs in each of Capers’ first eight seasons there, and they won Super Bowl XLV following the 2010 season.
Capers’ coaching career began with 12 seasons at the collegiate level from 1972-83. His stops included Kent State, Hawaii, San Jose State, California, Tennessee and Ohio State. He spent two seasons with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars of the USFL before entering the NFL coaching ranks in 1986 with the New Orleans Saints.
Among the head coaches Capers has served under are Jim Mora Sr., Bill Cowher, Coughlin, Nick Saban and Mike McCarthy. He also spent one season as special assistant-secondary under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots. Capers has been recognized as coach of the year (Panthers), assistant coach of the year (Steelers, Jaguars) and coordinator of the year (Packers).
A native of Cambridge, Ohio, Capers attended Mount Union College. He graduated in 1972 with a degree in physical education and psychology after playing safety and linebacker.
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Jacksonville Jaguars media contacts
Tad Dickman, Director of Public Relations // [email protected], (904) 633-6136