Mark Banker

Mark Banker is in his second season as Nebraska's defensive coordinator and his 14th consecutive year as a college defensive coordinator, after working with Mike Riley at Oregon State for the previous 12 years. In 2016, Banker will also work directly with the Husker safeties.

Banker has 36 years of coaching experience, including 19 total years working with Riley. In addition to the 2015 season at Nebraska, Banker spent 14 years on Riley’s Oregon State staff, along with three years with the San Diego Chargers and one year as assistants on the USC coaching staff.

In his first season at Nebraska, Banker's defense was strong against the run, continuing a trait of his defenses. The Huskers ranked ninth nationally in rushing defense, allowing 109.8 yards per game. The per-game rushing average was the lowest for a Nebraska defense since 2009 and the third-lowest mark since 2000.

Nebraska also ranked third in the Big Ten and in the top 25 nationally in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert just 34.0 percent of attempts. The defense continued to progress throughout the season despite a rash of injuries. The Blackshirts held each of the final two regular-season opponents to fewer than 260 yards of total offense, while allowing only two touchdown drives of longer than 35 yards in those contests.

Banker served as OSU’s defense coordinator from 2003 to 2014, with his defenses regularly ranking among the top units in the Pac-12 Conference during his tenure. Banker had worked strictly as the defensive coordinator since 2012, but also spent time coaching linebackers and safeties during his time in Corvallis. The 2012 Beaver defense ranked in the top three in the Pac-12 in total defense and scoring defense, while finishing sixth nationally in third-down conversion defense.

The 2008 OSU defense played a key role in the Beavers' run to a 9-4 record and a Sun Bowl victory. Banker's defense ranked second in the Pac-10 in total defense, and closed the year with a shutout win over Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl. Eight defenders were recognized with All-Pac 10 honors.

Banker’s 2007 Beaver defense was among his best statistical units. The Beavers led the nation in rushing defense, while ranking eighth in total defense, fourth in quarterback sacks and sixth in tackles for loss. The Beavers finished 10-4 in 2006, largely due to finishing third in the national in quarterback sacks and leading the nation in tackles for loss yardage.

Banker first joined Riley's staff at Oregon State in 1997 and 1998. Overall, more than 70 of Banker’s defenders have earned all-conference honors during his tenure in Corvallis.

Banker had three years of NFL experience on Riley's staff with the San Diego Chargers from 1999 to 2001. As the defensive coordinator in 2001, his Charger defense ranked 11th in the league in total defense and first in rushing defense.

In addition to his time at Oregon State, Banker has collegiate assistant coaching stops at Stanford, USC, Hawaii and Cal State Northridge. He began his career at his alma mater, Springfield College.

Banker Profile
Coaching Experience
2016: Nebraska, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator, Safeties)
2015: Nebraska, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator)
2003-14: Oregon State, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties and Linebackers)
2002: Stanford, Assistant Coach
1999-2001: San Diego Chargers, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks)
1997-98: Oregon State, Assistant Coach (Secondary)
1996: USC, Assistant Coach
1995: Hawaii, Assistant Coach (Outside Linebackers/Special Teams)
1981-94: Cal State Northridge, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator)
1979-80: Springfield College, Graduate Assistant (Offensive Line/Running Backs)

Playing Experience
Springfield College (Running Back)

Personal
Education: Bachelor’s in Physical Education, Springfield College, 1978
Family: Wife, Debbie; Children, Chris, Jayme, Kelsey

Banker Career Highlights

• Guided Nebraska's 2015 defense to a No. 9 national ranking in total defense
• Helped lead Beavers to eight bowl appearances, compiling a 6-2 postseason record
• 70 defensive players at Oregon State earned all-conference honors under Banker’s direction
• Second in Pac-12 in scoring defense and third in total defense in 2012
• Ranked second in Pac-12 in total defense in 2008, with eight players earning all-conference honors
• Five defensive players selected in the 2009 NFL Draft
• Ranked first nationally in rushing defense, fourth in sacks and eighth in total defense in 2007
• Nine Beaver defenders earned Pac-10 all-conference honors in 2007
• Ranked third in the nation and first in Pac-12 in sacks in 2006
• Led Pac-12 in rushing defense in 2005
• Ranked in the top three in Pac-10 in seven defensive categories in 2004, including second in total defense
• Led the Pac-10 and ranked seventh nationally in total defense in 2003
• Also ranked in top 10 in nation in interceptions and rushing defense in 2003
• Led San Diego Charger defense to No. 11 total defense ranking as defensive coordinator in 2001