Sean Spencer enters his second year on James Franklin's staff. He
coaches the Commodores' defensive line.
In 2011, the Vanderbilt defensive front fed off Spencer's energy and enthusiasm, with several standouts enjoying career years.
Spencer's corps was topped by senior defensive end Tim Fugger and junior tackle Rob Lohr, both of whom enjoyed impressive campaigns working with the first-year coach.
Fugger was rewarded for an impressive campaign with second team All-SEC recognition. After posting eight sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, Fugger also attracted the attention of pro teams and was selected in the NFL Draft by Indianapolis. Lohr also ranked among the SEC's most productive defensive tackles with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
Several other Commodores, including Johnell Thomas, Walker May, Colt Nichter, Jared Morse and Barron Dixon played well under Spencer's direction.
Spencer joined the Vanderbilt staff after a successful two-year stint at Bowling Green State University.
Spencer's top pupil at Bowling Green, defensive tackle Chris Jones, garnered six quarterback sacks in 2010, including 3.5 sacks in a win over Central Michigan that helped Jones earn National Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. Jones later also earned All-MAC Conference recognition.
The BGSU defensive front posted 40 sacks during Spencer's tenure. He also helped Bowling Green to the Humanitarian Bowl in 2009 despite opening the year without a single returning starter on the defensive front.
Spencer enjoyed two successful stints at UMass, serving from 2007-08 after working with the Minutemen from 2001-03. He was a defensive line coach in both tenures, and also guided UMass special teams in 2007-08.
In 2007 the Minutemen ranked among the nation's best with 44 sacks. That UMass unit was led by All-America and Buck Buchanan Award finalist David Burris. In the early 2000s, Spencer mentored another top Minuteman defensive lineman, Buchanan Award finalist Valdamar Brower.
Spencer enjoyed team success at UMass, helping the Minutemen to consecutive Colonial Athletic Association titles.
Spencer mentored two special teams phenoms at UMass: kick returner Courtney Robinson and punter Brett Arnold. Robinson earned first team All-CAA honors after breaking the team's record for kick return yards. Arnold earned first team All-America honors.
Spencer spent the 2006 season at Hofstra University where he was the defensive line coach for the Pride. In the summer of 2006, Spencer took part in an NFL summer internship with the New York Jets.
Prior to Hofstra, Spencer served as linebackers coach at Villanova University in 2005 where he coached All-American Brian Hulea, who finished his career as the all-time tackler in the CAA.
Spencer also spent the 2004 season at the College of Holy Cross and served the 2001-03 seasons as an assistant at UMass where he served as defensive line coach in 2004. Previously, he served tenures at Trinity College, Shippensburg University and Wesleyan University.
Spencer started three years at free safety as an undergraduate at Clarion University. Spencer is the parent of a daughter, Alysia.
The Spencer File Personal Date of Birth: December 15, 1970 Hometown: Hartford, Conn. Alma Mater: Clarion University (1995) Education: Bachelor's, political science, Clarion (1995) Family: daughter, Alysia, 7
Spencer's Coaching Career
2011-current - Vanderbilt (defensive line)
2009-10 - Bowling Green (defensive line) 2007-08 - University of Massachusetts (defensive line, special teams coordinator) 2006 - Hofstra (defensive line) 2005 - Villanova (linebackers) 2004 - College of Holy Cross (defensive line) 2001-03 - University of Massachusetts (defensive line) 1998-2000 - Trinity College (running backs, passing game coordinator, defensive line) 1996-97 - Shippensburg University (running backs)
