Greg Brown is in his second season as cornerbacks coach. He was hired Feb. 21, 2019.
True freshman Cory Trice and sophomore Dedrick Mackey each intercepted three passes for Brown in 2019. Trice returned one of his interceptions 37 yards for a touchdown against Maryland. Mackey, who finished the year with a team-high seven PBU's, finished seventh on the team with 40 total tackles.
Brown came to Purdue after spending the 2017 and 2018 seasons as the secondary coach at Auburn. In his two years, the Tigers went a combined 18-9 overall, won the SEC Western Division in 2017 and played in the Peach Bowl (2017) and Music City Bowl (2018). In 2017, the Tigers ranked 12th in the country in scoring defense and 14th in the nation in total defense, while allowing just 4.67 yards per play, eighth-best nationally.
In 22 years as a collegiate coach, including two previous seasons at Purdue (1989-90), Brown has been a part of three conference titles and 12 bowl teams. He also spent 17 years in the professional ranks, 15 in the National Football League and two with the United States Football League.
Having worked with Jim Thorpe Award recipients Deon Figures (Colorado, 1992), Chris Hudson (Colorado, 1994) and Gerod Holliman (Louisville, 2014), Brown is the only coach in the history of the award to have mentored three winners. Holliman, who led the NCAA with 14 interceptions in 2014, was a member of a Cardinal defense that intercepted at least one pass in 17 straight games.
Brown's other stops on the collegiate level include Missouri (2016), Louisville (2014-15), Alabama (2013), Colorado (1991-93, 2006-09 and 2011-12), Arizona (2010), Wyoming (1987-88) and UTEP (1981).
On the professional level, Brown spent time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints (2002-05), Atlanta Falcons (2000-01 and 1994), San Francisco 49ers (1999), Tennessee Oilers (1997-98), San Diego Chargers (1995-96) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984-86). He served two seasons on the Denver Gold’s staff in the USFL (1983-84).
Lettering two seasons as a cornerback at UTEP, Brown graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in education (history/physical education) and held his first coaching position as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 1981. He earned an associate’s degree from Glendale (Ariz.) Junior College in 1978.
Brown (born Oct. 10, 1957) and his wife, Stacie, have two daughters, Hannah and Grace.
True freshman Cory Trice and sophomore Dedrick Mackey each intercepted three passes for Brown in 2019. Trice returned one of his interceptions 37 yards for a touchdown against Maryland. Mackey, who finished the year with a team-high seven PBU's, finished seventh on the team with 40 total tackles.
Brown came to Purdue after spending the 2017 and 2018 seasons as the secondary coach at Auburn. In his two years, the Tigers went a combined 18-9 overall, won the SEC Western Division in 2017 and played in the Peach Bowl (2017) and Music City Bowl (2018). In 2017, the Tigers ranked 12th in the country in scoring defense and 14th in the nation in total defense, while allowing just 4.67 yards per play, eighth-best nationally.
In 22 years as a collegiate coach, including two previous seasons at Purdue (1989-90), Brown has been a part of three conference titles and 12 bowl teams. He also spent 17 years in the professional ranks, 15 in the National Football League and two with the United States Football League.
Having worked with Jim Thorpe Award recipients Deon Figures (Colorado, 1992), Chris Hudson (Colorado, 1994) and Gerod Holliman (Louisville, 2014), Brown is the only coach in the history of the award to have mentored three winners. Holliman, who led the NCAA with 14 interceptions in 2014, was a member of a Cardinal defense that intercepted at least one pass in 17 straight games.
Brown's other stops on the collegiate level include Missouri (2016), Louisville (2014-15), Alabama (2013), Colorado (1991-93, 2006-09 and 2011-12), Arizona (2010), Wyoming (1987-88) and UTEP (1981).
On the professional level, Brown spent time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints (2002-05), Atlanta Falcons (2000-01 and 1994), San Francisco 49ers (1999), Tennessee Oilers (1997-98), San Diego Chargers (1995-96) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984-86). He served two seasons on the Denver Gold’s staff in the USFL (1983-84).
Lettering two seasons as a cornerback at UTEP, Brown graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in education (history/physical education) and held his first coaching position as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 1981. He earned an associate’s degree from Glendale (Ariz.) Junior College in 1978.
Brown (born Oct. 10, 1957) and his wife, Stacie, have two daughters, Hannah and Grace.