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University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics

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Mark Banker Football Head Shot 2018

Mark Banker

  • The 37-year coaching veteran enters his second season as UH’s assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach.
  • Second stint with UH after serving as special teams and outside linebackers coach in 1995 under former head coach Bob Wagner.
  • Coached linebacker Jahlani Tavai in 2018 as he racked up 82 tackles in just eight games, before being selected in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft.
  • Served as Nebraska’s defensive coordinator from 2015-16. His defense ranked ninth nationally in rushing yards allowed (109.8) in 2015 and Top 25 in third-down defense. In 2016, the Huskers ranked 14th nationally in interceptions (16) and was 30th in total defense (363.7).
  • Spent 12 years as Oregon State’s defensive coordinator (2003-14), turning it into one of the best defenses in the Pac-10/12.
  • Also coached the linebackers and safeties at OSU. The 2007 defense led the nation in rushing defense and ranked eighth in total defense, fourth in sacks, and sixth in tackles for loss.
  • His 2006 defense finished third in sacks and led the nation in tackles-for- loss yardage while the 2003 defense ranked in the Top 10 in total defense, rushing defense, and interceptions.
  • Five of his defenders were selected in the 2009 NFL Draft while more than 70 defensive players earned all-conference honors at OSU.
  • Member of 10 bowl teams at OSU (8) and Nebraska (2), compiling a 7-3 postseason record.
  • Spent three seasons with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers (1999-2001) as cornerbacks coach and was elevated to interim defensive coordinator midway through the 2001 season. The unit ranked 11th in the league in total defense and first in rushing defense in 2001.
  • Spent 20 years coaching alongside Mike Riley at Nebraska (2), OSU (14), San Diego (3), and USC (1). 
  • He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Springfield College (1978-80), where he was a graduate assistant and quarterbacks and running backs coach.
  • Also had stints with Stanford (2002), OSU (1997-98), USC (1996), and Cal State Northridge (1981-94), the latter of which he spent 11 years as defensive coordinator.

Personal

  • Years at UH: 2nd season
  • Hometown: Plymouth, Mass.
  • Alma Mater: Springfield College, B.A., Physical Education (1978)

Playing Experience

  • 1975-77, Springfield (Mass.)

Coaching Experience

  • 2016: Nebraska (Defensive Coordinator, Safeties)
  • 2015: Nebraska (Defensive Coordinator)
  • 2003-14: Oregon State (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties and Linebackers)
  • 2002: Stanford (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary)
  • 2001: San Diego Chargers (Cornerbacks/Interim Defensive Coordinator)
  • 1999-2000: San Diego Chargers (Cornerbacks)
  • 1997-98: Oregon State (Secondary)
  • 1996: USC (Defensive Line/Linebackers)
  • 1995: Hawai‘i (Outside Linebackers/Special Teams)
  • 1981-94: Cal State Northridge (Defensive Coordinator)
  • 1979-80: Springfield College (Quarterbacks/Running Backs) 
  • 1978: Springfield College, Graduate Assistant