Ball State University Athletics
Former Cardinal Keith McKenzie Returns as Defensive Line Coach
February 11, 2016 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University head football coach Mike Neu announced today that Keith McKenzie will be joining the coaching staff as the defensive line coach. McKenzie played football at Ball State from 1991 to 1995.
“Keith is a perfect fit for our team on the defensive line,” Neu said. “He played that position for numerous years in the NFL and has now been in the collegiate coaching ranks for almost 10 years.”
McKenzie spent the previous eight seasons as an assistant coach at Wayne State University. From 2009 to 2015, McKenzie served as the linebackers coach and helped 10 players earn all-conference accolades. In 2014, linebacker Nores Fradi was voted the GLIAC Defensive Back (linebackers and defensive backs) of the Year after leading the nation in tackles for loss per game (2.6) and pacing the league in solo tackles and sacks per game. McKenzie added to his role at Wayne State in 2014 as specials teams coordinator.
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, McKenzie competed for eight seasons in the NFL as a defensive end. His best statistical season came in 2000 with the Cleveland Browns when he started 16 games and was credited with 58 tackles, including eight sacks. McKenzie played 95 games in the NFL and recorded 160 tackles and 29.5 sacks. He appeared in two Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers, including the 1996 Super Bowl win over New England.
McKenzie was a standout defensive end and linebacker for Ball State. He lettered three years with the Cardinals (1993-95) and still holds the program's career record for sacks (25). As a senior in 1995, McKenzie served as a team captain, was voted team MVP and earned All-MAC accolades. He was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.
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TRANSACTIONS
Ball State University – Announced the hiring of Keith McKenzie as the football team's defensive line coach.
