Ellis joined the USF staff as defensive backs coach in February of 2019 after 10 seasons at Middle Tennessee State (2009-18).
At MTSU, he coached cornerbacks during his entire tenure and also took on defensive coordinator duties (2011-14) and the recruiting coordinator role (2015-18) during his time. He helped the Blue Raiders reach seven bowl games, including each of his last four seasons. He guided five all-conference players in Marcus Udell, Alex Suber, Rod Issac, Jeremy Cutrer and Darryl Randolph. During his stint as defensive coordinator, MTSU improved 48 spots in the national rankings in scoring defense, 29 in rushing defense and 10 in total defense in 2012. In 2013, MTSU ranked fifth in turnovers gained, 17th in red zone defense and among the best in scoring defense. In 2009, Udell led the league in interceptions and Suber accounted for 12 pass breakups. During the summer of 2010, Ellis participated in the NFL Coaches Fellowship Program with the Buffalo Bills, his second time participating after also doing so in 2008 with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he worked with head coach Mike Tomlin and legendary defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau.
Prior to his tenure at MTSU, Ellis began his coaching career at Nichols State (2003-8) where he served as safeties coach (2003), linebackers coach (2004-05) and defensive coordinator (2006-08). His 2007 defense led the Southland Conference in total and pass defense and interceptions, while his 2006 defense ranked No. 19 in the nation in total defense. He coached three All-Americans, seven first team all-conference honorees, a defensive Player of the Year and two conference Newcomer of the Year award winners.
Born in Stringer, Miss., Ellis graduated from Nichols State University with a B.S. in education in 2003. He was a three-year starter and a three-year all-conference honoree on the football team and served as a team captain in 2001. He posted over 200 career tackles and five interceptions.
Ellis and his wife, Regina, have three children: Caleb, Aubrey Grace and Ava Rose.
