Syracuse Hires Brandon Napoleon as DBs Coach

The former NFL player joins the Orange coaching staff.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Syracuse University has reportedly hired Brandon Napoleon as the new defensive backs coach for the Orange football team. Napoleon, a former NFL player, brings extensive coaching experience to the role and will be tasked with developing Syracuse's secondary.

Why it matters

The defensive backfield has been an area of focus for Syracuse in recent seasons, as the team looks to improve its pass defense and create more turnovers. Napoleon's hiring is seen as a key addition to the coaching staff as the Orange aim to build on their recent success and compete for a conference title.

The details

Napoleon spent the past three seasons as the defensive backs coach for the University at Buffalo, where he helped develop one of the top secondaries in the Mid-American Conference. Prior to that, he had coaching stints with the Detroit Lions and New York Jets in the NFL.

  • Syracuse announced the hiring on March 2, 2026.

The players

Brandon Napoleon

The new defensive backs coach for the Syracuse Orange football team, bringing extensive coaching experience at both the college and professional levels.

Syracuse Orange

The NCAA Division I football team representing Syracuse University, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have Brandon join our staff and lead our defensive backs. His experience and track record of developing talent will be a huge asset as we continue to build a championship-caliber program.”

— Dino Babers, Head Coach, Syracuse Orange (The Daily Orange)

What’s next

Napoleon will begin his duties with the Syracuse football team immediately, as the Orange prepare for spring practice and the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Brandon Napoleon as the new defensive backs coach is a strategic move by Syracuse to strengthen its secondary and improve the team's overall defensive performance, as the Orange look to build on their recent success and compete for a conference championship.