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The Kentucky defense has made noticeable improvements in the two seasons that Steve Brown has been the Kentucky defensive coordinator. By following Brown's basic plan -- put players in position to attack and play as aggressively as possible -- the Wildcats have significantly decreased points and yardage allowed. UK's scoring defense has improved from 99th in the nation in 2006, to 80th in 2007, to 35th last year. The Wildcats' total yardage allowed has moved from 118th to 67th to 40th in the same time span. Wildcat players have flourished under Brown's system. Last season, cornerback Trevard Lindley was named second-team All-America and linebacker Micah Johnson was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference choice. In 2007, linebacker Wesley Woodyard led the SEC in tackles and was a consensus All-SEC selection. Brown is in his seventh season on the Wildcat staff. He guided the UK secondary for four years until Coach Rich Brooks tabbed him as the defensive coordinator. As a 14-year playing and coaching veteran of the National Football League, and as a former player and coach under Brooks, Brown had been an obvious choice to join the Kentucky coaching staff in 2003. Brown's acumen has been apparent during his term with the Wildcats. Individually, safety Muhammad Abdullah was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference for three consecutive years (2003-05). Under Brown's tutelage, cornerback Antoine Huffman set the Kentucky career record for pass breakups (now broken by Lindley) and three UK defensive backs were selected for a Freshman All-SEC team. In 2006, safety Marcus McClinton was one of the nation's leaders in generating turnovers with four interceptions and five fumbles caused. And, Lindley emerged as a top-flight cover corner, earning first-team Freshman All-America accolades. Brooks and Brown first became acquainted during the collegiate recruiting process, when Brown went to Oregon to play for the Ducks. He was a four-year letterman from 1979-82 as a defensive back and kick returner. He was a four-year choice as All-Pacific 10, first team as a senior, second team as a junior, and honorable mention as a freshman and sophomore. He played in the Hula Bowl following his senior year. Brown was a third-round draft pick by the Houston Oilers in 1983. He played eight years for the Oilers (1983-90) as a cornerback and kick returner. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team by Pro Football Weekly in 1983 and was chosen the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in the '85 season. Houston advanced to the playoffs in each of his final four seasons. He joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1991 but retired because of injury. After three years in private business, Brown returned to football when Brooks hired him for the coaching staff of the St. Louis Rams. Brown was a defensive assistant in 1995. He was promoted to cornerbacks coach in 1996-97, then was given responsibility for the entire secondary from 1998-2000. In the 1999 season, the Rams intercepted 29 passes, the fourth-highest total in franchise history, and Todd Lyght became the first Rams defensive back to earn a Pro Bowl berth in 10 years. The season was capped with a 23-16 win over Tennessee in the 2000 Super Bowl. St. Louis also qualified for the playoffs following the 2000 season. When Brooks called Brown again, this time to join the coaching staff at Kentucky, Brown was eager to rejoin his former coach. Brown and his wife, Michele, have two sons, Cole and Jared. Brown graduated from Oregon with a degree in English literature. NFL Playing Experience
Coaching Experience
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