Steve Gregory

Steve Gregory joined Vanderbilt in 2024 as associate defensive coordinator and secondary coach. Gregory will assist head coach Clark Lea as Lea assumes defensive coordinator responsibilities this season.

The Syracuse product most recently spent two seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2021-22), coaching the safeties his second year with the franchise. He also spent three seasons on staff with the Detroit Lions, two years as a defensive assistant and one as defensive backs coach. He began his coaching career as a quality control assistant at his alma mater in 2015, Lea’s final year as an assistant coach for the Orange.

Gregory was a three-year starter at Syracuse, earning four letters. At the conclusion of his career, he ranked third in SU history with 40 passes defended and his five blocked field goals were second-most in school history. As a senior, he started all 11 games, made 60 tackles and a pair of interceptions. He was named an All-BIG EAST Freshman Team pick and a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News in 2002, leading all FBS freshmen with 21 passes defended.

He signed with the then-San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent and went on to appear in 85 games over six seasons with the Chargers. He then spent three seasons with the New England Patriots. In 2012, he was one of three Patriots to earn Player of the Game honors during New England’s Thanksgiving Night win over the Jets thanks to an interception and two fumble recoveries. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014, but opted to retire during camp.

The Brooklyn, New York, native graduated from Syracuse with a dual major in finance and marketing management. He and his wife, Rosanne, have two daughters — Aviana and Vivienne.