Steve Sisa is in his 11th season as defensive coordinator at the University of West Alabama after helping lead the Tigers to a NCAA Playoff appearance in 2024.
Most recently in 2024, Sisa orechestrated the Tigers' defense to be one of the best units in program history. West Alabama held opposing teams to 13.5 points and 272.2 yards per game. Edge rusher Trevon finished within the top three in the country in sacks with 11.0 and was named an All-American. Lambert, Trevon Stanford, Issac Williams, Davonta Jackson, Cody Sigler, Lamar Gray, and Ishmael Naylor were all named All-GSC.
Sisa came to West Alabama from Arkansas Tech, where he served as co-defensive coordinator during the 2016 season. Prior to that, he worked two seasons at James Madison University as defensive coordinator, outside linebackers coach in 2015, and the safeties coach the year before. In his first year on staff at West Alabama, Sisa's defense held opposing teams to 22.31 points per game, helping the Tigers to a GSC Championship.
Before James Madison, he spent two seasons at Western Carolina as a defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator in his second year with the Catamounts.
Sisa also has experience on the staff at North Carolina for two years, serving as his safeties coach in 2011 and player development in 2010. Under his guidance in 2011, UNC’s safeties accounted for six interceptions and five forced fumbles.
Prior to North Carolina, Sisa served two seasons as a graduate assistant at Southern Mississippi (2008-09).
A native of Manassas, Virginia, Sisa started as a quality control coach at Illinois in 2007, where he worked primarily with linebackers. Illinois was 9-3 that season and advanced to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1984.
Sisa began his coaching career at Ed White High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He worked as the secondary coach in 2003 and the defensive coordinator from 2004-06.
Sisa played linebacker at Bridgewater College in 1997 before his playing career was cut short due to a shoulder injury. He transferred to Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in political science in 2001. He earned a Master’s in sports management from Southern Miss in 2009.
He and his wife Lisa are the parents of two boys, Taylor and Nikolas.
