Who is Kevin Kane? Purdue defensive coordinator career coaching history
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Purdue football will have a familiar face rejoining the sidelines.
The Boilermakers reportedly hired Kevin Kane, who coordinated the second-worst defense in the country two seasons ago, to return and fill the role vacated by Mike Scherer. Sources indicated Thursday that Scherer and Purdue split to allow for him to pursue other coaching opportunities.
Kane spent two seasons at Purdue as part of Ryan Walters staff but was not retained, like much of the staff, when Barry Odom was hired to lead the Boilers forward. While still not good, Scherer and his staff made improvements despite having All-American Dillon Thieneman transfer and Will Heldt, who went on to become an All-American, transfer.
Here’s what to know about Purdue’s new, or familiar, defensive coordinator in Kane.
Kevin Kane coaching history
- 2008-10: Wisconsin graduate assistant (2008-09); defensive quality
- 2011-14: Northern Illinois tight ends/fullback (2011); linebackers (2012); special teams/linebacker (2013-14)
- 2015: Kansas linebackers
- 2016-17: Northern Illinois defensive coordinator/safeties
- 2018-20: SMU defensive coordinator/linebackers
- 2021-22: Illinois associate head coach/outside linebackers
- 2023-24: Purdue defensive coordinator/linebacker
- 2025: Minnesota outside linebacker/nickels
Kevin Kane working with Ryan Walters
Kane worked alongside former Purdue coach Ryan Walter for four seasons, the first two as a position coach at Illinois from 2021-22. Walters then brought Kane with him to Purdue, where Kane was defensive coordinator/linebacker from 2023-24.
Kevin Kane playing career
Kevin Kane played for four seasons at Kansas from 2002-05 under Mark Mangino.
Kevin Kane age
Kevin Kane is 42, born Dec. 18, 1983.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football news: Kevin Kane Purdue defensive coordinator hire, history
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