University of Memphis Athletics
Bert Watts named Memphis linebackers coach
Jan 17, 2020 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Bert Watts has been named Memphis football's linebackers coach, Tigers head coach Ryan Silverfield announced Friday. Watts, who comes to Memphis as Fresno State's defensive coordinator, rounds out Silverfield's first coaching staff as Memphis head coach.
Watts most recently completed his third season with the Fresno State Bulldogs. In a trio of years, Watts' defense ranked in the Top 10 nationally in several statistical categories. In 2018, the Bulldogs finished with a 12-2 record and were Mountain West Champions.
"Coach Bert Watts is a tremendous addition to our coaching staff. He is an intelligent coach with a successful background," Silverfield said. "As a defensive coordinator the last two years at Fresno State, he led a well-coached unit. He has also worked with the Denver Broncos. Bert develops players on and off the field and cares greatly for them in every detail of their life. His wife Lyndsay and their family can't wait to get here to Memphis!"
In 2018, the Bulldogs ranked third nationally in scoring defense, surrendering 14.1 points per game. Fresno State also finished the 2018 campaign ranked in the Top 10 in the FBS in red zone defense (1st), scoring defense (3rd), passes intercepted (4th), passing efficiency defense (5th) and turnover margin (9th). Individually, Watts helped mentor linebacker Jeff Allison as the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
Prior to Fresno State, Watts spent four seasons as the defensive coordinator at UC Davis with a focus on the defensive backs unit.
The Basking Ridge, N.J. native also holds NFL experience, helping the Denver Broncos earn the top seed in the AFC playoffs in 2012.
A three-year letterwinner at Cal, Watts led the Bears' defense with 80 tackles as a senior in 2002. Following his senior year, he was the recipient of the team's Joe Roth Award, given to the player that exemplifies superior courage, attitude and sportsmanship.
Watts earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of California. He is married to Lyndsay Graubard, and the couple has a son, Vedder.
Tiger football is prepping for its first season under Silverfield. Fans can place a $50 deposit on their 2020 football season tickets online at www.GoTigersGoTix.com.
Watts most recently completed his third season with the Fresno State Bulldogs. In a trio of years, Watts' defense ranked in the Top 10 nationally in several statistical categories. In 2018, the Bulldogs finished with a 12-2 record and were Mountain West Champions.
"Coach Bert Watts is a tremendous addition to our coaching staff. He is an intelligent coach with a successful background," Silverfield said. "As a defensive coordinator the last two years at Fresno State, he led a well-coached unit. He has also worked with the Denver Broncos. Bert develops players on and off the field and cares greatly for them in every detail of their life. His wife Lyndsay and their family can't wait to get here to Memphis!"
In 2018, the Bulldogs ranked third nationally in scoring defense, surrendering 14.1 points per game. Fresno State also finished the 2018 campaign ranked in the Top 10 in the FBS in red zone defense (1st), scoring defense (3rd), passes intercepted (4th), passing efficiency defense (5th) and turnover margin (9th). Individually, Watts helped mentor linebacker Jeff Allison as the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
Prior to Fresno State, Watts spent four seasons as the defensive coordinator at UC Davis with a focus on the defensive backs unit.
The Basking Ridge, N.J. native also holds NFL experience, helping the Denver Broncos earn the top seed in the AFC playoffs in 2012.
A three-year letterwinner at Cal, Watts led the Bears' defense with 80 tackles as a senior in 2002. Following his senior year, he was the recipient of the team's Joe Roth Award, given to the player that exemplifies superior courage, attitude and sportsmanship.
Watts earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of California. He is married to Lyndsay Graubard, and the couple has a son, Vedder.
Tiger football is prepping for its first season under Silverfield. Fans can place a $50 deposit on their 2020 football season tickets online at www.GoTigersGoTix.com.
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