Steve Cushing- Handling Formations with Cover 4

The Coach

Steve Cushing

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Steve Cushing was appointed as the defensive coordinator for SUNY Cortland football in 2022, following his role as linebackers coach in 2021. He oversees the linebackers while also managing the defense as a whole. In his first season as coordinator, Cushing guided the team to impressive defensive rankings, including top-five positions nationally in scoring defense, total defense, and defensive touchdowns. Cortland secured the Empire 8 title and achieved an 11-1 record under his guidance. The following year, in 2022, Cortland continued its defensive prowess, allowing just 13.5 points per game in league matches and earning another Empire 8 crown, showcasing the team's defensive strength with multiple accolades for players under Cushing's tutelage.

Before joining Cortland, Cushing held coaching roles at Wilkes University, where he contributed to the team's success and postseason appearance in 2019. As a player at Misericordia University, Cushing demonstrated his skills as a safety and outside linebacker while also excelling academically. His coaching experience extends to high school and youth football programs, where he honed his teaching and coaching abilities, including developing practice plans, and defensive strategies, and emphasizing proper techniques like tackling. Cushing's academic background in business and marketing from Misericordia complements his coaching acumen and commitment to player development.