Podcast: Brian VanGorder from NFL Defensive Coordinator to High School Coach

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder knew that one day he would return to the high school game. After an impressive run at the professional and collegiate level, VanGorder is enjoying his retirement as the DC at Gulf Shores High School on the Gulf of Mexico in South Alabama.

VanGorder, who was the Falcons defensive coordinator from 2008 through 2011, returned to the high school sidelines in 2021. That year, Gulf Shores set a record for the fewest points allowed in a season.

After a year as the head coach at American Heritage in Delray Beach, Florida in 2022, VanGorder returned to Gulf Shores last season to help lead the Dolphins to the school’s first-ever state championship.

Below, you can listen to VanGorder’s chat with High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher about his decision to return to the high school game and his journey through the coaching profession.

In addition to his time with the Falcons, VanGorder was a linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets. At the collegiate level, he was a defensive coordinator for Auburn, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Georgia, Louisville, Notre Dame and Western Illinois.