Jan. 14, 2015
Todd Lyght, a former NFL standout cornerback and defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles, is joining the Commodores as a defensive assistant coach, Vanderbilt Head Coach Derek Mason announced today.
The former Notre Dame consensus All-America will mentor Commodore cornerbacks. Brett Maxie will return for his second year on the Vanderbilt staff coaching safeties.
Lyght, a 1991 first round draft pick who enjoyed a 12-year playing career in the NFL, comes to the Commodores after serving two years at a defensive back assistant coach with the Eagles under Chip Kelly.
“I am extremely happy to announce the hiring of Todd Lyght as Vanderbilt’s cornerbacks coach,” Mason said. “I’ve followed Todd since his NFL career very closely. He brings high energy, excellent football IQ, integrity and character to the Vanderbilt football program. Todd is a tremendous addition to this coaching staff. “
Lyght also served the 2011-12 seasons as an assistant under Kelly at the University of Oregon where the Ducks captured the Rose Bowl and Pac-12 championship in 2011 and a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2012.
During the 2014 regular season, the Philadelphia defense ranked tied for sixth with 28 total takeaways, trailing only Houston (34), Dallas (31), Buffalo (30), Cleveland (29) and San Francisco (29). The Eagles also registered 12 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
In 2013, the Eagles defense ranked tied for third in the league with 31 takeaways. With Lyght’s assistance, Philadelphia cornerback Brandon Boykin tied for second in the NFL with a career-best six interceptions.
Lyght joined the Oregon Ducks after a two-year stint as a defensive backs assistant at Bishop Gorman (Nev.) H.S. While on staff, he helped Bishop Gorman to back-to-back state championships in 2009-10.
Prior to becoming a coach, Lyght enjoyed a 12-year career in the NFL, playing for the Los Angeles-St. Louis Rams franchise and the Detroit Lions. Selected fifth overall by the Rams in the 1991 draft, Lyght spent 10 seasons with the club, recording 31 pass interceptions in 143 appearances.
Lyght earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after registering six interceptions in 1999, his finest season with the Rams. Lyght’s blocked field goal and stellar defensive performance also played significant roles in the Rams’ 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Lyght concluded his NFL career with 37 interceptions, 145 pass breakups, and six sacks. His interception total ranks 27th all time for interceptions by a cornerback.
Lyght was a consensus All-American in 1989 and 1990 at Notre Dame. As a junior in 1989, Lyght became a Jim Thorpe Award finalist after recording eight interceptions. During his collegiate career, Lyght was a defensive mainstay during one of the most successful stretches in Notre Dame history. He was a member of the Lou Holtz’s 1988 undefeated national championship team and was part of a group that helped the Irish capture 23 consecutive wins.
A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Lyght finished his collegiate career with 161 tackles and 11 interceptions.
Lyght has contributed to several academic scholarship programs. He established a series of scholarships at his high school alma mater, Luke Powers Catholic School in Flint, Mich., as well as St. Mary’s Elementary School in Alexandria, Va. In 1995, he donated substantially to the United Negro College Fund as part of the NFL’s Golden Circle program. He also established the Todd W. Lyght Scholarship at the University of Notre Dame.
Born in the Marshall Islands, Lyght grew up and played wide receiver and defensive back at Luke Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Mich.
Lyght and his wife, Stefanie, have a son, Logan, and a daughter, Luca.
Lyght Coaching Career
2015 – Vanderbilt – Cornerbacks Coach
2013-14 – Philadelphia (NFL) – Assistant Defensive Backs Coach
2011-12 – Oregon – Defensive Secondary Intern
