Jeff Zgonina

Last updated

Jeff Zgonina
Jeff Zgonina 2022.jpg
Zgonina with the Commanders in 2022
Dallas Cowboys
Position:Defensive line coach
Personal information
Born: (1970-05-24) May 24, 1970 (age 54)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:305 lb (138 kg)
Career information
High school: Carmel
(Mundelein, Illinois)
College: Purdue (1989–1992)
NFL draft: 1993  / round: 7 / pick: 185
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
As a player
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:458
Sacks:26.0
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:13
Interceptions:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Jeffrey Marc Zgonina (ska-KNEE-na; born May 24, 1970) is an American football coach and former player who currently serves as the defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 1993 NFL draft.

Contents

Zgonina was a member of the St. Louis Rams that won Super Bowl XXXIV and also played for the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans. As a coach, he has been a member of the Houston Texans, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders.

High school

Zgonina attended Carmel High School in Mundelein and was a letterman in football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. In football, he won All-East Suburban Catholic Conference honors, All-Area honors, All-County honors, and All-State honors.

College career

Zgonina attended Purdue University from 1989 to 1992, starting his entire career. He twice led the Boilermakers in sacks and tackles for loss, he led the team in total tackles one season. He had a fumble return of 67 yards, a record for Purdue defensive linemen. He currently holds Purdue records for 'tackles for loss' for a single game (7.0), a season (28.0) and a career (72.0). He is currently #6 in total tackles (382) and solo tackles (266); and #3 in sacks (29.0). His senior season was outstanding as he had 28 tackles for loss and 13 sacks; was selected as a 1st Team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Following his senior year, he participated in the 1993 East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl, and Japan Bowl.

Professional career

Zgonina played 17 seasons in the NFL and spent more time with the St. Louis Rams than with any other team, which included a Super Bowl title in the 1999 season (XXXIV). His best season, however, came with the Miami Dolphins in 2004, when he recorded 63 tackles and five sacks. [2]

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 1993 NFL draft. [3] He spent two seasons with the Steelers, recording 27 tackles in 21 game appearances before being waived after the 1994 season. He was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on August 29, 1995, [4] and he recorded two tackles in two game appearance for the Panthers in 1995. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 1996, [5] and made one sack, one fumble recovery, and 12 tackles in the eight games he played. Zgonina signed a two-year contract with the St. Louis Rams on March 12, 1997. [6] He played in 15 games in 1997, producing two sacks and 21 tackles. He was released by the Rams on August 21, 1998. [7] Zgonina was signed by the Oakland Raiders on October 14, 1998, [8] but was released six days later. [9] before playing in a game for the Raiders. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts later in the season and played in two games.

Zgonina re-signed with the Rams on March 27, 1999. [10] He spent four seasons with the Rams, becoming their starting defensive tackle during the 2000 season. He earned a Super Bowl ring in 2000 after St. Louis beat the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. He was also a member of the 2001 NFC Champion Rams, starting 13 games and playing in Super Bowl XXXVI. He recorded 144 tackles, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries in his second tenure with the Rams.

Zgonina signed a four-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on April 1, 2003. [11] In his four-year career with the Dolphins, he made 178 tackles, 10 sacks, an interception, and two fumble recoveries in 62 games (22 starts). He signed with the Houston Texans on March 14, 2007, [12] He had 64 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries in his three-year tenure, including playing in all 48 games with five starts.

Coaching career

Houston Texans

In 2013, the Houston Texans hired Zgonina to become an assistant defensive line coach. As an assistant coach for the Texans, he worked closely with defensive line coach/assistant head coach Bill Kollar who was his coach at Purdue University in 1989. [2]

New York Giants

In 2016, he became the assistant defensive line coach of the New York Giants.

San Francisco 49ers

Zgonina was the defensive line coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2019. [13] [14]

Washington Football Team / Commanders

In 2020, he was hired as the assistant defensive line coach for the Washington Football Team and was promoted to lead defensive line coach following the firing of Sam Mills III in 2022. [15] [16] He was not retained by the Commanders following the firing of head coach Ron Rivera.

Dallas Cowboys

In February 2024, the Dallas Cowboys hired Zgonina as their defensive line coach under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. [17]

Personal life

Zgonina is of Polish descent. [18] He has participated in dog shows since 2014. [19] He is the uncle of Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet. [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La'Roi Glover</span> American football player and coach (born 1974)

La'Roi Damon Glover is an American professional football coach and former player who is the defensive line coach for the St. Louis BattleHawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Glover played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs. He enjoyed a 13-year career in which he made six-consecutive Pro Bowls and was a four-time All-Pro selection. He spent five seasons with the New Orleans Saints (1997–2001), four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2002–2005) and finished his playing career with the St. Louis Rams (2006–2008).

Leon Lett Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. Lett played college football at Emporia State University and was selected in the seventh round of the 1991 NFL draft by the Cowboys, where he spent 10 seasons. During his final season in 2001, he played for the Denver Broncos.

Carnell Augustino Lake is an American former professional football player and coach who is the defensive coordinator for the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League (UFL). He was a safety and cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He is a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He was the cornerbacks coach for the UCLA Bruins under head coach Rick Neuheisel in 2009 before leaving after one season for family reasons. He was the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs coach until February 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akin Ayodele</span> American football player (born 1979)

Akinola James Ayodele is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft. He played college football at Coffeyville Community College and Purdue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Randy Starks</span> American football player and coach (born 1983)

Randolph Starks Jr. is an American college football coach and former player. He is the head football coach for Eureka College, a position he has held since 2024. Starks played professionally as a defensive end for 12 seasons, from 2004 to 2015, in the National Football League (NFL) with the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns. He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins. Starks was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Davis (American football coach)</span> American football player and coach (born 1965)

Bill Davis is an American football coach who is the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Ninkovich</span> American football player (born 1984)

Robert Michael Ninkovich is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker and defensive end for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers as a defensive end and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He also played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls with the latter. After eight seasons with the Patriots, Ninkovich announced his retirement from the NFL following the 2016 season.

Daniel Stubbs II is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, earning unanimous All-American honors in 1987.

Jimmie Sims Jones is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of Miami. With the Cowboys, he won back-to-back Super Bowls over the Buffalo Bills.

Joe Tarrod Bowden, III is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers / Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Henderson</span> American football player and coach (born 1983)

Eric Charles Henderson is an American football coach who is the co-defensive coordinator, defensive line coach, and run game coordinator for the USC Trojans of the Big Ten Conference (NCAA). He previously served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Rams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calais Campbell</span> American football player (born 1986)

Calais Malik Campbell is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NaVorro Bowman</span> American football player (born 1988)

NaVorro Roderick Bowman is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is currently the linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft. Bowman was also a member of the Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Quinn (American football)</span> American football player (born 1990)

Robert Quinn is an American professional football defensive end. He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the 14th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olivier Vernon</span> American football player (born 1990)

Olivier Alexander Vernon is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end and outside linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the Miami Hurricanes. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft and also played for the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Randy Gregory</span> American football player (born 1992)

Randy Gregory is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maliek Collins</span> American football player (born 1995)

Maliek Collins Sr. is an American professional football defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Nebraska and previously played for the Houston Texans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samson Ebukam</span> Nigerian American football player (born 1995)

Nnamka Samson Ebukam is a Nigerian–American professional football defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Eastern Washington Eagles and was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Christian C. Sam is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Arizona State, in 2017 leading the Pac-12 with 127 tackles, while also leading the Pac-12 with 87 solo tackles. He has been a member of the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Bandits, New Orleans Breakers, and Arlington Renegades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Warner (American football)</span> American football player (born 1996)

Federico Anthony Warner is an American professional football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars and was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.

References

  1. ↑ "Transactions". NFL.com. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Layden, Tim (October 19, 2009). "8 Teams, 17 Years, 208 Games, One Long Road". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  3. ↑ "1993 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Release a 'Shock Waive', Runner Foster Let Go". The State . August 29, 1995. Retrieved July 19, 2012.(subscription required)
  5. ↑ "Eagles awaiting George waiver". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . October 10, 1996. Retrieved July 19, 2012.(subscription required)
  6. ↑ Thomas, Jim (March 12, 1997). "Rams Add Depth to Special Teams". St. Louis Post-Dispatch . Retrieved July 19, 2012.(subscription required)
  7. ↑ "Transactions". The New York Times . August 31, 1998. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  8. ↑ Williams, Dave (October 14, 1998). "Gruden Booked on DUI Charge". The Press Democrat . Retrieved July 19, 2012.(subscription required)
  9. ↑ "Transactions". The Salt Lake Tribune . October 20, 1998. Retrieved July 19, 2012.(subscription required)
  10. ↑ "Transactions". The New York Times. March 27, 1999. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Gash back in Buffalo to open holes". The Daily Gazette . April 1, 2003. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  12. ↑ Pasquarelli, Len (March 14, 2007). "Veteran DT Zgonina signs with Texans". ESPN.com . Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  13. ↑ "49ers hire Saleh as DC, Hightower as special teams coach". USA TODAY.
  14. ↑ Larrabee, Kirk. "49ers firing defensive line coach". 247sports. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Redskins Hire Brett Nenaber, Jeff Zgonina To Coaching Staff". Redskins.com. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  16. ↑ Fortier, Sam. "Commanders fire defensive line coach Sam Mills III, promote Jeff Zgonina". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  17. ↑ Brock, Todd (February 16, 2024). "Report: Cowboys to hire Jeff Zgonina as new defensive line coach". USAToday.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Jeff Zgonina Is Polish and Matt Turk Does Yoga". Battle Red Blog. August 16, 2007.
  19. ↑ Jhabvala, Nicki. "Football isn't Jeff Zgonina's only passion. He's also partial to dog shows". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  20. ↑ Wiederer, Dan (October 13, 2024). "Column: 5 catches, 2 TDs … 6 long snaps? How Cole Kmet hit a curveball in the Chicago Bears' blowout win". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.