INDIANAPOLIS – University of Tennessee head football coach Jeremy Pruitt will address more than 1,500 high school and youth football coaches and administrators from across the country at the USA Football 2019 National Conference in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 22-24, Pruitt joins Ret. Navy SEAL Cdr. Mark Divine and University of Minnesota head football coach P.J. Fleck as keynote speakers.
Pruitt became the University of Tennessee’s 26th head football coach in December 2017 and led the Volunteers to two wins over top 25 teams in 2018 (No. 21 Auburn and No. 11 Kentucky). Prior to his arrival in Rocky Top, Pruitt served as Alabama’s defensive coordinator, helping the Crimson Tide win the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top defensive coordinators, Pruitt has five national championships to his credit. During his initial tenure with Alabama, Pruitt worked as the director of player of development (2007-2009) and defensive backs coach (2010-2012) and was a part of three national championships (2009, 2011, 2012). In 2013 he was Florida State’s defensive coordinator, helping lead the Seminoles to an undefeated National Championship.
In between Florida State and his return to Alabama, Pruitt was the University of Georgia’s defensive coordinator from 2014-2015. He owns a 96-13 (.881) record as an assistant coach and was twice a Broyles Award Finalist, given annually to the nation’s top assistant. As the coach of 44 NFL draft picks, including 13 first rounders and 18 All-Americans, Pruitt’s defenses consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense. His defense ranked No. 1 nationally in 2013, 2016 and 2017.
“Coach Pruitt’s ability to teach, lead and inspire is extraordinary and lifts everyone around him,” USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck said. “We’re excited to have him address leaders across America’s football family at our National Conference in Orlando.”
“Beyond capturing imaginations, USA Football opens minds to forward thinking across our game,” Pruitt said. “I’m humbled by every youth and high school coach – every mom and dad – at the National Conference. These men and women enrich the lives of our sons and daughters through the fun and joy of the ultimate team sport. I can’t wait to be with them, sharing our love for our kids and our game.”
February marks the sixth annual USA Football National Conference, an education and networking opportunity for high school and youth football administrators and coaches to gain insight on best practices, innovation and smarter play. The conference drew more than 1,500 leaders across the sport in 2018, including international participants from Canada, Mexico, Scotland and Sweden. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the sport’s national governing body, USA Football trains more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the United States.
Past USA Football National Conference speakers include Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dungy, Bill Polian, Cris Carter and Mike Singletary as well as Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy, and others.
The latest news about USA Football’s 2019 National Conference may be found on Twitter by following @USAFootball and #USAFootball19.
UT Athletics
