Veteran Coach Ted Roof Comes Out of Retirement to Lead Boston College Football Defense

Longtime coordinator reunites with head coach Bill O'Brien, bringing decades of experience and energy to the Eagles' struggling unit.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:52pm

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After spending the previous 37 years coaching football at the college and professional levels, Ted Roof had retired from the sidelines. But when Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien called, Roof couldn't turn down the opportunity to return and lead the Eagles' defense. The two coaches have a long history of working together, and Roof was drawn to BC's culture and O'Brien's vision for the program. Roof's infectious energy and commitment to developing players and coaches has already made an impact, as the Eagles look to rebound from a dismal defensive season.

Why it matters

Boston College's defense struggled mightily in 2025, ranking 126th out of 134 FBS teams in total defense. Roof's arrival as defensive coordinator represents a major boost in experience and expertise as the Eagles aim to turn things around on that side of the ball. His track record of success and ability to connect with players could be pivotal in BC's quest to return to bowl contention in 2026.

The details

Roof had been content with retirement after being dismissed from UCF in 2024, but when O'Brien reached out about the BC job, the veteran coach couldn't pass up the opportunity. The two have a long history of working together, previously serving as coordinators at Georgia Tech and later at Penn State when O'Brien was the head coach. Roof was drawn to BC's culture and O'Brien's vision for the program, describing it as a "relationship-based decision." Roof's infectious energy and commitment to developing both players and coaches has already made an impact, as the Eagles look to rebound from a dismal 2025 season on defense.

  • Roof was dismissed from UCF on October 28, 2024.
  • O'Brien called Roof about the BC job in early 2026.

The players

Ted Roof

A veteran football coach with over 37 years of experience at the college and professional levels, Roof is taking on the defensive coordinator role at Boston College after a brief retirement.

Bill O'Brien

The head coach of the Boston College football team, O'Brien previously worked with Roof as coordinators at Georgia Tech and Penn State, and has now brought Roof in to lead the Eagles' defense.

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What they’re saying

“I was retired. I was done. I was living life and realized there was life outside of football. And he called me, and we discussed this opportunity, and it was just something I couldn't turn down. I felt like I had a lot left in the tank. And at the same time, I wanted to not only impact players, but coaches as well.”

— Ted Roof, Defensive Coordinator

“Coming to work for him, again, he's about all the right stuff. And it was a relationship-based decision.”

— Ted Roof, Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

Roof and the Boston College coaching staff will look to implement their defensive scheme and philosophy during spring practice, with the goal of significantly improving the unit's performance ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ted Roof's return to coaching represents a major coup for Boston College, as the veteran defensive coordinator brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His strong relationship with head coach Bill O'Brien and commitment to developing players and coaches could be exactly what the Eagles need to turn around their struggling defense.