Michigan State University Athletics
Ramsey Joins NFL Coaching Ranks
2/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 15, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State defensive secondary coach Kevin Ramsey, who joined the staff just two weeks ago, has resigned to accept the same position with the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals, MSU head coach Bobby Williams announced Thursday.
The 39-year-old Ramsey came to Michigan State following a one-year stint as defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Georgia where he 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.
"I'm disappointed but this is an opportunity of a lifetime for Kevin Ramsey, and he had to do what's best for him and his family," Coach Williams said. "The NFL is offering assistant coaches long-term contracts and substantial raises so it's become almost impossible for the colleges to compete."
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.
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.
"I grew up following the St. Louis Cardinals and (Arizona head coach) Dave McGinnis recruited me out high school and coached me at Indiana State for two years," Ramsey said. "I have coached at the high school and college levels and now, I look forward to coaching at the highest level.
"I appreciate Bobby Williams giving me an opportunity at Michigan State. I've been most impressed the players that I've met here and I know Bobby has this program headed in the right direction."
