Sam Siefkes Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Education, Coaching Career, Salary, Net Worth, Wife, Family

Sam Siefkes’ coaching career is a testament to his resilience, strategic brilliance, and ability to adapt to various levels of football. Spanning collegiate and professional football, his journey showcases a steady rise from humble beginnings to becoming a highly sought-after defensive expert.

Early Coaching Years: Building a Foundation at Wisconsin-La Crosse (2012–2013)

After injuries cut short his playing career as a defensive back, Siefkes immediately transitioned into coaching. His first opportunity came at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he worked as a student assistant coach from 2012 to 2013.

In this role, Siefkes focused on developing defensive backs, linebackers, and specialists. This early experience was invaluable, as it allowed him to understand the intricacies of defensive play and the fundamentals of player development. Working closely with college athletes, he honed his ability to identify talent and adapt his coaching style to different personalities and skill levels.

Expanding His Horizons: Florida International University (2014)

In 2014, Siefkes took a significant step forward by joining Florida International University (FIU) as a quality control coach. Here, his responsibilities expanded beyond on-field coaching to include breaking down game footage, creating detailed game plans, and contributing to the overall defensive strategy.

This role provided Siefkes with exposure to the administrative and analytical aspects of coaching, skills that would later prove crucial in his career. FIU’s competitive environment also allowed him to interact with seasoned coaches, further broadening his football knowledge.

Making a Mark at the University of Wisconsin (2015)

Siefkes’ next career milestone came in 2015 when he joined the University of Wisconsin as a defensive graduate assistant. Working under Dave Aranda, the team’s defensive coordinator at the time, Siefkes contributed to one of the most formidable defenses in college football.

That season, Wisconsin led the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 13.7 points per game. They also ranked second nationally in total defense, conceding a mere 268.5 yards per game. These impressive statistics were a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to craft a disciplined and effective defense, with Siefkes playing a key supporting role. The Badgers capped off their season with a 10-3 record, including a memorable victory over USC in the Holiday Bowl.

Leading a Defense: Wisconsin-Platteville (2016–2017)

In 2016, Siefkes took on his first major leadership role as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. This position marked a turning point in his career, as he was now tasked with leading and implementing his own defensive strategies.

Over two seasons with the Pioneers, Siefkes transformed the defense into one of the most consistent units in the conference. The 2017 season was particularly notable, with his defense allowing just 18.9 points per game and recording three shutouts. His ability to motivate players and instill discipline played a significant role in these achievements, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in coaching.

Dominating at Wofford College (2018–2020)

Siefkes’ next opportunity came at Wofford College, where he served as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach from 2018 to 2020. His impact at Wofford was immediate and profound, as he turned the Terriers’ defense into a dominant force in the Southern Conference.

• 2018 Season:
  In his first year, Wofford led the conference in every major defensive category, including total defense, scoring defense, passing defense, and rushing defense. Nationally, the team ranked eighth in scoring defense and 12th in total defense. These efforts propelled the Terriers to a 9-4 record, a Southern Conference Championship, and a second-round appearance in the FCS Playoffs.
• 2019 Season:
  The Terriers continued to excel in 2019, winning their third consecutive Southern Conference Championship and earning another FCS Playoff berth. Siefkes’ defense ranked 20th nationally in total defense and maintained top spots in rushing and scoring defense within the conference.
• 2020 Season:
  Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Siefkes maintained his commitment to excellence. His ability to adapt his defensive schemes to different game situations highlighted his versatility as a coach.

Breaking into the NFL: Minnesota Vikings (2021–2022)

In 2021, Siefkes made the leap to the NFL, joining the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive quality control coach. This role marked his entry into professional football and provided him with the opportunity to work alongside some of the best minds in the game.

• 2021 Season:
  As a quality control coach, Siefkes focused on analyzing game footage, scouting opponents, and assisting with defensive game planning. His meticulous attention to detail and analytical skills quickly earned him recognition within the organization.
• 2022 Season:
  Siefkes was promoted to assistant linebackers coach in 2022, where he worked directly with star linebackers Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks. Under his guidance, the duo combined for 265 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and 16 passes defensed, ranking among the league’s top linebacking tandems. Siefkes’ ability to maximize their potential was a key factor in the Vikings’ defensive success that year.

Thriving with the Arizona Cardinals (2023–2024)

Siefkes continued to ascend in the NFL ranks, joining the Arizona Cardinals as their linebackers coach in 2023. His impact on the team was immediate, as he played a pivotal role in developing players like Kyzir White and Josh Woods.

• Kyzir White’s Breakout Season:
  White led the team with 90 tackles and nine tackles for loss, despite missing several games due to injury. He also recorded two sacks, three passes defensed, and a crucial game-sealing interception against the Dallas Cowboys.
• Josh Woods’ Career Highs:
  Under Siefkes’ mentorship, Woods achieved personal bests in tackles and overall performance, demonstrating the coach’s ability to elevate players’ games.

Virginia Tech Hokies: Defensive Coordinator (2025–Present)

In January 2025, Siefkes was appointed as the defensive coordinator for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Head Coach Brent Pry expressed confidence in Siefkes’ ability to revitalize the program’s defense, citing his NFL experience and proven track record at the collegiate level.

Siefkes’ vision for the Hokies’ defense includes an aggressive, high-pressure strategy aimed at disrupting opponents and creating opportunities for turnovers. His approach emphasizes discipline, adaptability, and player development, key factors that align with Virginia Tech’s goals for success in the NCAA.