Michigan State University Athletics
Ramsey Named Spartan Defensive Secondary Coach
1/29/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 29, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Kevin Ramsey, who served as defensive coordinator at Georgia in 1999, has been named defensive secondary coach at Michigan State, head coach Bobby Williams announced Monday. Ramsey replaces Mark Dantonio, who resigned Jan. 22 to become defensive coordinator at Ohio State.
The 39-year-old Ramsey, who also coached Georgia's secondary, helped the Bulldogs to an 8-4 record in 1999, including a 28-25 victory over Purdue in the 2000 Outback Bowl. Georgia ranked No. 16 nationally in rushing defense, allowing 103.9 yards per game.
Ramsey previously spent four seasons as defensive backs coach under Phillip Fulmer at Tennessee (1995-98) where he helped the Vols to a combined record of 45-5 (.900), including back-to-back Southeastern Conference titles in 1997-98 and the national championship in '98. During his tenure at Tennessee, he tutored six NFL Draft selections, including Detroit Lion cornerback Terry Fair.
"We're happy to have Kevin Ramsey on board," Williams said. "Kevin has a wealth of experience and he's been successful in major conferences. He played an integral part in helping Tennessee win a national championship, so he knows what it takes to get players to perform at that level.
"Kevin will be a big asset as a recruiter and with his personality, he'll mesh well with the coaching staff."
"I'm fired up about being at Michigan State and I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running," Ramsey said.
"I worked in the Big Ten at Northwestern about 10 years ago and I'm glad to be back in the league. I grew up on Big Ten football and there's nothing like it. I've known Bobby (Williams) for almost 20 years and I'm excited about working for him. I enjoy teaching the game and helping players develop the winning edge."
A native of East St. Louis, Ill., Ramsey served as defensive secondary coach under Don Nehlen at West Virginia for two years, with the Mountaineers leading the Big East in interceptions in both 1993 (21) and '94 (20). He also helped develop two NFL Draft picks at West Virginia - Aaron Beasley and Mike Logan, both members of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ramsey also spent three years at Northwestern (1990-92), where he coached the defensive line for Francis Peay his first two seasons before taking over the secondary for Gary Barnett in 1992. Prior to his stint at Northwestern, he worked for three years as outside linebackers coach at Kansas State (1987-89) under Stan Parrish and Bill Snyder.
His coaching credits also include a stop at Mission (Texas) High School in 1986, where he coached track in addition to the defensive backs. Ramsey began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Kansas State from 1984-85.
Ramsey, a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference defensive back, earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Indiana State in 1984. The former all-state quarterback and defensive back from East St. Louis (Ill.) High School played one season for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1986) in the Canadian Football League.
He attended the same high school that produced former Spartans Darryl Dixon (defensive back, 1981-83) and Eugene Byrd (wide receiver, 1975-79).
Ramsey and his wife Doreen have four daughters - Kajavia (15), Samiya (14), Tresnae (12) and Amariell (11).
