Tracy Rocker stands as a towering figure in the realm of football coaching, boasting a remarkable 33-year career marked by consistent success in developing dominant defensive lines. Currently in his seventh NFL season and back with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, Rocker’s return marks a significant chapter in an already illustrious coaching journey. His expertise, honed over decades, has made him a sought-after mentor for defensive linemen at both the professional and collegiate levels.
Rocker’s recent stint as the defensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2021 to 2023 further solidified his reputation as a premier coach. During his time in Philadelphia, the Eagles’ defensive line became a force to be reckoned with, tying for third in the NFL with an impressive 142 sacks. This period of dominance coincided with three consecutive playoff appearances for the Eagles, highlighting Rocker’s immediate impact on the team’s performance.
The 2023 season saw Rocker’s defensive line contribute significantly to the Eagles’ overall defensive prowess. The team ranked 10th in the league in rushing defense, allowing only 103.4 yards per game. Under Rocker’s guidance, defensive end Josh Sweat continued his upward trajectory, achieving his third consecutive season with at least 6.5 sacks. Veteran defensive tackle Fletcher Cox also thrived, starting 15 games and adding five sacks in his 12th NFL season, demonstrating Rocker’s ability to maximize the potential of players at different stages of their careers.
The 2022 season was a pinnacle for Rocker and the Eagles, culminating in an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl LVII appearance. That year, the Eagles boasted the NFL’s second-ranked total defense, allowing a mere 301.5 yards per game. Their pass rush was particularly devastating, racking up 70 sacks, the third-highest total in NFL history, placing them amongst legendary defenses like the 1984 Chicago Bears and the 1989 Minnesota Vikings. Remarkably, the Eagles became the first team in NFL history to feature four different players with double-digit sacks in a single season, a testament to Rocker’s coaching and the depth he cultivated within the defensive line unit. Among these sack leaders was defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who reached a career-high of 11.0 sacks under Rocker’s tutelage.
Rocker’s impact was immediately felt in his first year with the Eagles in 2021. He played a pivotal role in Javon Hargrave’s Pro Bowl selection, Hargrave’s first career Pro Bowl nod. That season, Hargrave led the Eagles’ defensive line in pressures (a career-high 58), quarterback hits (a career-high 18), tackles for loss (nine), and sacks (7.5). Josh Sweat also earned his first Pro Bowl selection that year, tying Hargrave for the team lead in sacks, showcasing Rocker’s ability to elevate the performance of multiple players simultaneously.
Before his successful stint with the Eagles, Tracy Rocker returned to the college ranks, coaching the defensive line at the University of South Carolina in 2020. Prior to that, he spent three seasons (2017-2019) shaping the defensive line at the University of Tennessee. His efforts in Tennessee were instrumental in the Volunteers’ defensive transformation in 2018. Under Rocker’s guidance, Tennessee’s run defense significantly improved, jumping 74 spots in national rankings, allowing 154.0 rushing yards per game. Their third-down defense also saw substantial improvement, climbing 45 spots to 39.0 percent conversion rate allowed.
From 2014 to 2016, Rocker served as the defensive line coach at the University of Georgia, adding the title of Associate Head Coach in his final two years there. During his tenure with the Bulldogs, the program consistently ranked among the top 20 nationally in total defense. In 2015, Georgia’s scoring defense was particularly stingy, ranking eighth nationally by allowing just 16.9 points per game.
Rocker’s initial foray into the NFL coaching world was with the Tennessee Titans from 2011 to 2013, marking his first stint with the franchise. In 2012, the Titans’ defense recorded 39 sacks, placing them 10th in the NFL. Defensive end Derrick Morgan experienced a breakout season under Rocker’s coaching, amassing 59 tackles, 23 quarterback hits, and 6.5 sacks. In 2011, Rocker effectively mentored a young defensive line group that included Karl Klug, who led all rookie defensive tackles in sacks with 7.0 (and ranked fourth among all NFL defensive tackles), and rookie Jurrell Casey, who led all Titans defensive linemen in tackles with 74.
Returning to his alma mater, Auburn University, Rocker coached the defensive line for two seasons (2009-2010). His time at Auburn was highlighted by his development of defensive tackle Nick Fairley, a Lombardi Award winner and All-American during Auburn’s 2010 national championship season. Fairley was later drafted 14th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2011 NFL Draft. Rocker also coached defensive end Dee Ford at Auburn, who went on to be a first-round pick (23rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014.
In 2008, Tracy Rocker coached the defensive line at the University of Mississippi, where the Rebels’ defense ranked fourth nationally in sacks with 39. He coached two exceptional players that year: defensive tackle Peria Jerry, a first-round pick (24th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in 2009, and defensive end Greg Hardy, both of whom earned All-America honors.
Rocker spent five seasons (2003-2007) as the defensive line coach at the University of Arkansas. In 2006, he guided defensive end Jamaal Anderson to a remarkable 14.0-sack season. Anderson was subsequently drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2007 NFL Draft.
In 2002, Rocker served as the defensive line coach at the University of Cincinnati, contributing to the Bearcats’ Conference USA championship victory.
His collegiate coaching career began at Troy State University, where he was the defensive line coach from 1997 to 2001. During his tenure at Troy State, Rocker coached future NFL stars DeMarcus Ware, an 11th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2005 and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, and Osi Umenyiora. He also mentored two-time All-American defensive lineman Al Lucas, who won the Buck Buchanan Award in 1999 as the top defensive player in Division I-AA.
Rocker’s coaching journey started at the University of West Alabama from 1994 to 1996, following his role as defensive coordinator at Auburn High School from 1992 to 1993.
Further enriching his coaching experience, Rocker participated in the NFL’s Minority Internship Program, spending summers with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2006) and Indianapolis Colts (2001).
Tracy Rocker’s coaching prowess is underscored by his own stellar playing career. Widely recognized as one of the greatest college defensive linemen of all time, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. As a two-time All-American defensive tackle at Auburn, he earned both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy in 1988, becoming the first player in SEC history to achieve this double honor. He was also named SEC Player of the Year in 1988.
Following his decorated college career, Rocker was drafted by Washington in the third round (66th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft. He played two seasons in the NFL before a knee injury cut his playing career short. He concluded his professional playing career with the Orlando Thunder of the World Football League in 1991.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Tracy Rocker’s contributions to football have been further recognized with inductions into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (2018) and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2005).
Tracy Rocker’s coaching timeline reflects a career dedicated to developing defensive line talent and contributing to team success across various levels of football. His return to the Tennessee Titans in 2024 is eagerly anticipated, as he brings his wealth of experience and proven track record back to the NFL. His legacy as a coach is firmly cemented, built on a foundation of expertise, player development, and consistent defensive excellence.
Tracy Rocker’s Coaching Timeline:
2024: Defensive Line – Tennessee Titans
2021-23: Defensive Line – Philadelphia Eagles
2020: Defensive Line – University of South Carolina
2017-19: Defensive Line – University of Tennessee
2015-16: Defensive Line/Associate Head Coach – University of Georgia
2014: Defensive Line– University of Georgia
2011-13: Defensive Line – Tennessee Titans
2009-10: Defensive Line – Auburn University
2008: Defensive Line – University of Mississippi
2003-07: Defensive Line – University of Arkansas
2002: Defensive Line – University of Cincinnati
1997-01: Defensive Line – Troy State University
1994-96: Defensive Line – University of West Alabama
1992-93: Defensive Coordinator – Auburn High School
Tracy Rocker’s NFL Playing Timeline:
1989-90: Defensive Lineman – Washington Commanders
