Football
- Title:
- Defensive Coordinator
- Email:
- tigers@memphis.edu
- Phone:
- 901-678-5119
Chris Ball is in his third season as Memphis’ defensive coordinator in 2018. Before joining Mike Norvell’s staff at Memphis, he spent four seasons (2012-15) at Arizona State, including the last three as the Sun Devils’ co-defensive coordinator.
Ball came to the Tigers with a reputation of producing defenses that created turnovers, and he didn’t disappoint in his first two seasons in control of the Memphis defense. Ball’s defense has been one of the nation’s most-opportunistic unit the last two years, forcing a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) second-best 60 turnovers (31 in 2016/29 in 2017). The 31 caused turnovers were tied for third nationally in 2017, and the 29 forced in 2016 were tied for fifth nationally.
Of the 60 caused turnovers, 28 were fumble recoveries (13 in 2016/15 in 2017), which is among the FBS’ top-five over the last two campaigns. In 2016, the 13 fumble recoveries were tied for sixth in FBS in 2016, and the 15 in 2017 were tied for fourth nationally.
Not only have the Tigers forced turnovers, they capitalized on the opponents’ miscues. Of the 60 turnovers by opponents the last two seasons, Memphis scored 33 times, including six defensive touchdowns (5 interception returns/1 fumble recovery). The defense also ranked in top-20 in FBS in turnover margin both seasons. In 2016, the Tigers were 18th nationally in turnover margin at +8. Last season, Memphis nearly doubled its turnover margin at +15, which was third in FBS. The +15 turnover margin is the Tigers’ best in the 21st century.
Ball’s aggressive style of defense has helped players develop and flourish in his system. Linebacker Genard Avery, who set the school record with 22 TFL in 2017, was a two-time All-American Athletic Conference first team selection and became the Cleveland Browns’ fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. TJ Carter, a highly-recruited talent, further developed his skills in Ball’s defense. Carter, The American’s Rookie of the Year, picked off a Tigers freshman-record five passes. The five interceptions were tied for 15th in FBS overall and tied for third among FBS freshmen. Carter also earned Freshman All-America honors in 2017. Former defensive back Arthur Maulet thrived in 2016. Maulet led the team with 13 pass breakups and also had two interceptions. From his secondary position, Maulet logged 7.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. In May 2017, Maulet signed a free-agent contract with his hometown New Orleans Saints. He made six appearances for the Saints in 2017.
Prior to Memphis, Ball was at Arizona State from 2012-15 and served as the defensive passing game coordinator and safeties coach in 2012, before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator the following season. In his four seasons in the desert, Ball helped guide seven Sun Devils defensive backs to All-Pac-12 honors. One of Ball’s pupils was All-Pac-12 first team honoree Damarious Randall, who was a 2015 NFL Draft first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers.
In the 2013 campaign, Ball mentored three players in the Sun Devils secondary that earned All-Pac-12 honors. Robert Nelson, an All-Pac-12 first team honoree, led the conference with six interceptions and was fourth in the league with 13 passes defended. Nelson was one of two Sun Devils to sign NFL free agent deals in 2014.
Before joining Arizona State, Ball worked his third stint at Washington State, serving as the defensive coordinator from 2008-11. In his four seasons at Washington State, Ball served as assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. In 2009, The Sporting News named him the Pac-10’s best position coach.
In each of his collegiate coaching stops, Ball has developed players that have gone on to the NFL. In addition to his time at Washington State, Ball also served on the staffs at Pittsburgh (2007) and Alabama (2003-06).
In his one season at Pittsburgh, Ball’s defense ranked fourth nationally in pass defense (167.3 ypg) and seventh in total defense (297.7 ypg). At Alabama, he coached the secondary. In 2004, Ball’s secondary led the nation in passing yards allowed (113.1 ypg) and also ranked second nationally in pass efficiency defense (97.8 rating). The next season (2005) was more of the same with Ball on the Crimson Tide defensive staff. The 2005 Alabama defense ranked second nationally in total defense and fifth in both passing yards allowed (160.8 ypg) and pass efficiency defense (97.8 rating). In his final year at Alabama in 2006, free safety Roman Harper earned All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the country’s top defensive back.
From 2000-02, Ball made his second stop in Pullman, Wash., on the Washington State staff. While there, he coached the defensive backs, including Marcus Trufant, who spent 10 seasons in the NFL. The Cougars defense piled up 56 interceptions – including 26 during 2001 – over Ball’s three-season stint. The 26 interceptions for the Cougars in 2001 ranked second in the nation.
Before joining the Cougars staff, Ball spent one season as Idaho State’s defensive coordinator in 1999.
Ball began his coaching career at Northeast Missouri State (1986-87) and Akron (1987-88), before joining Mike Price’s staff – his first stop at Washington State – in 1989. He also coached at Coffeyville Community College (1990-94), Western Oregon State College (1995-96) and Missouri Western State (1997-98).
A St. Louis, Mo., native, Ball played his prep ball at Webster Grove High School and put together a standout collegiate career at Missouri Western State College in Saint Joseph, Mo. Ball starred in the Griffons secondary from 1982-85. His 12 career interceptions are the sixth-most in Griffons history, and his five picks in 1984 led the team that season. In 1985, Ball earned All-America honors.
The 1986 Missouri Western State College graduate and his wife, Tandi, have three children: a son, Brennan, and daughters, Abby and Ella Grace.
