Brian Cochran enters his first season as the defensive line coach for the Mocs. He spent the previous 10 years at John Carroll University, serving in various roles that included defensive line coach, defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator.
On the field, JCU finished No. 13 in the nation in rushing defense (78.3) and averaged over three sacks per game in 2016. The Blue Streaks were second in the country in sacks in 2015 (4.5) and 15th in DIII in rushing defense (96.8) in 2014.
In 2013, JCU's rush defense was ranked 16th in all of Division III only allowing 101.7 yards per game on the ground. Cochran's defensive line wreaked havoc in the opposing backfield as the Blue and Gold ranked 17th with 3.18 sacks per game.
In six seasons as defensive coordinator, the Blue Streaks were among the national leaders in several categories. In 2012, JCU was ranked 12th out of 241 teams in rushing defense and 25th in tackles for loss. His 2008 defense ranked second in the OAC and 35th nationally in Division III in points allowed per game (17.3 ppg).
Prior to coming back to JCU, he held coaching positions at Heidelberg University (head coach from 2003-2006), MacMurray College (IL) and Ohio Northern University. He also served as head coach of the Heidelberg wrestling program for two seasons, helping the ‘Berg to a top 25 national ranking.
As a player, Cochran was a first team All-OAC selection and a first team All-American as a senior nose tackle in 1989, helping the Blue Streaks capture their only outright league title and earn the program’s first NCAA Division III tournament bid.
Cochran was inducted into the JCU Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 30, 2011.
