Edwards begins his second season as outside linebackers coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024. The 2024 season marks Edwards' 27th season of NFL coaching experience and his 35th overall.
In his first year with the Buccaneers, Edwards mentored rookie third-round outside linebacker Yaya Diaby to a team-high 7.5 sacks in 2023. Edwards' unit utilized a committee approach that proved effective as six different players at the outside linebacker position recorded a sack, including four with 3.0+ sacks. His position group totaled 22 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2023, while contributing to a defense that finished fifth in the NFL in rush defense by limiting opponents to just 95.3 rushing yards per contest.
Prior to arriving in Tampa Bay, Edwards spent the previous three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2020-22) as the club's senior defensive assistant, helping guide a defensive unit that ranked second in interceptions (52), fourth in opponent completion percentage (61.9), sixth in opponent passer rating (86.5) and eighth in sacks (126) over that span. He worked most closely with the team's linebackers, mentoring Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons to two Pro Bowl selections, two Associated Press first-team All-Pro recognitions and 2021 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Prior to joining the Cowboys, Edwards spent six seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings (2014-19). After inheriting a defense that ranked 31st overall in total defense in 2013, Edwards propelled the Vikings into a consistent top five defense. From 2014-19, the Vikings ranked first in lowest opponent third-down conversion percentage (35.2%), second in fewest yards per play allowed (5.12), third in total defense (321.8 yards allowed per game), third in pass defense (214.7 yards per game) and third in sacks (260.0). Edwards' 2017 defense led the NFL in both total defense (275.9) and fewest points per game allowed (15.8), sparking the Vikings run to an NFC Championship game berth. It was Minnesota's first No. 1 defense since the 1993 season.
Previously, Edwards held roles as the linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins (2005-09, 2012-13), defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2010-11), linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns (2004), assistant defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for Washington (2002-03), and linebackers coach for the Cowboys (1998-2001). Edwards has also held assistant positions at the collegiate level, including at the University of Georgia (1997), Duke University (1996), Appalachian State University (1992-95) and the University of Florida (1990-91).
A four-year letterman at Duke University, Edwards was a two-time special teams captain and earned 1989 All-ACC honorable mention recognition at linebacker. Edwards is a native of Siler City, North Carolina. He and his wife, Jami, have one son, Bryan.
