Career Overview and Key Coaching Tenures
Josh McDermott has coached at several professional and collegiate programs, with his most prominent roles including the Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and various college programs. This profile focuses on verified team affiliations, roles, and timeline rather than speculation or rumors. Below is a summary of the programs where he held coaching positions and the nature of his responsibilities at each stop.
| Team | Role | Period | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders | Defensive Backs Coach | 2022 | Official team/league report |
| New England Patriots | Defensive Backs Coach | 2021 | Official team/league report |
| Miami Dolphins | Defensive Backs Coach | 2019–2020 | Official team/league report |
| Sacramento State | Defensive Backs Coach | 2014–2016 | College roster/recruiting guide |
| San Jose State | Defensive Backs Coach | 2012–2013 | College roster/recruiting guide |
| Portland State | Graduate Assistant | 2011 | College roster/recruiting guide |
NFL Coaching Tenures
Josh McDermott’s NFL coaching career spans multiple organizations, primarily focused on defensive backs development. His most recent NFL role was with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, continuing a trajectory that includes the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. Below are the verified NFL teams where he served on the coaching staff, along with his specific role and years of service.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
McDermott joined the Raiders as their defensive backs coach in 2022, a season in which the team’s secondary played a significant role in their defensive scheme under a defensive-minded coordinator. His duties included game planning, in-game adjustments, and player development for the secondary unit.
New England Patriots (2021)
In 2021, McDermott was the defensive backs coach for the Patriots. He worked closely with defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo to develop cornerbacks and safeties, emphasizing scheme retention and situational awareness within a structured system.
Miami Dolphins (2019–2020)
McDermott spent two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, serving as the defensive backs coach. During this period, he contributed to the development of emerging defensive backs within a rapidly evolving defensive structure shaped by coordinator Brian Flores and later interim coordinators.
College Coaching Timeline
Before entering the NFL, McDermott built his coaching foundation at several collegiate programs. His college tenure includes recurring roles as a defensive backs coach and graduate assistant duties, focusing on film breakdown, technique instruction, and recruiting support.
- Sacramento State (2014–2016): Defensive backs coach, working with pass coverage units and special teams.
- San Jose State (2012–2013): Defensive backs coach, contributing to player development and in-game strategy.
- Portland State (2011): Graduate assistant, engaging in film study, scouting reports, and drills instruction.
Role Definitions and Responsibilities
To clarify the positions held by Josh McDermott, below are concise definitions of his primary coaching roles and typical responsibilities associated with each.
| Role | Primary Responsibilities | Typical Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Backs Coach | Teach coverage techniques, route recognition, and tackle efficiency; develop game plans and make in-game adjustments for cornerbacks and safeties. | Player development, film study, communication with coordinators, and integration into overall defensive strategy. |
| Graduate Assistant | Support senior coaches with film breakdown, scouting opponents, and running position-specific drills; often a transitional role for aspiring full-time coaches. | Educational support, data organization, and on-field assistance during practice and games. |
Clarifying Uncertainty and Avoiding Confusion
Public records and reputable sports databases consistently list McDermott’s roles with the Raiders, Patriots, Dolphins, and the collegiate programs mentioned above. There are no verified reports of head coaching or coordinator positions under his name. When discussing where Josh McDermott coached, it is important to distinguish confirmed staff positions from rumors or informal volunteer work. This article limits detail to roles with documented sources to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Summary and Lasting Takeaways
Josh McDermott’s coaching history is marked by steady progression through college graduate assistantships to specialized NFL defensive backs coaching roles. The programs where he coached—Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Sacramento State, San Jose State, and Portland State—represent a consistent focus on defensive skill development and preparation. For future reference, his verified coaching footprint centers on player development within secondary units, with no confirmed head coaching or coordinator roles to date.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Josh McDermott ever serve as a head coach?
No, available sources confirm his roles as a defensive backs coach and graduate assistant only; there is no verified record of him serving as a head coach at any level.
Which NFL team did Josh McDermott coach for most recently?
According to reliable team announcements and league records, his most recent NFL appointment was with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.
Where did Josh McDermott coach in college?
He coached at Sacramento State (2014–2016), San Jose State (2012–2013), and served as a graduate assistant at Portland State (2011).
What is the typical role of a defensive backs coach?
A defensive backs coach is responsible for teaching coverage techniques, reading offensive concepts, making defensive adjustments during games, and developing cornerbacks and safeties within the team’s scheme.
Are there rumors about Josh McDermott coaching elsewhere?
While informal volunteer work or guest appearances may occur, reputable sources have not confirmed any additional coaching assignments beyond those listed in this profile.