Russell "Rusty" McKinney joined the TCNJ coaching staff before the 2026 season, serving as special teams coordinator and defensive line coach.
McKinney, who spent almost a decade coaching in the NFL, makes his Division III debut after a season as defensive line coach at Division II Davenport University, where he was responsible for all aspects of defensive line play as well as the pass rush game plan.
Before his time at Davenport, McKinney made stops as a coaching intern with the Cleveland Browns (2014-16), as a defensive quality control coach with the Miami Dolphins (2016-19), and as a defensive assistant working with the defensive line with the Arizona Cardinals (2019-23).Â
McKinney began his coaching career as outside linebackers coach at Division II Saint Anselm College in 2008, also serving as assistant special teams coordinator and running the offensive scout team as well as supervising the weight room. He then went on to Division II Bentley University, where he spent five seasons, working as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2013. McKinney was the primary position coach for three all-conference performers as well as an all-region selection during his time at Bentley, where he also operated as the strength and conditioning coordinator.Â
McKinney played at Towson University, where he was a four-year letterman at linebacker. He served as co-captain of the Tigers as a senior in 2001, when he was named the team's MVP and repeated on the All-Patriot League Team.Â
