Sam Siefkes

The Siefkes File

Coaching: 14th season, 1st at Tech
Hometown: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
High School: Oconomowoc
College: Wisconsin-La Crosse (2013)
Playing Exp: Wisconsin-La Crosse (2011)
Family: Wife – Carrissa; Daughter - Brynlee

Coaching History

2025-present	Virginia Tech	Defensive Coordinator
2023-24	Arizona Cardinals	Linebackers
2022	Minnesota Vikings	Assistant Linebackers
2021	Minnesota Vikings	Defensive Quality Control
2018-20	Wofford	Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
2016-17	Wisconsin-Platteville	Defensive Coordinator
2015	Wisconsin	Graduate Assistant
2014	Florida International	Defensive Quality Control
2013 (summer)	Air Force	Strength & Conditioning Intern
2012-13	Wisconsin-La Crosse	Student Assistant

BOWL GAMES/PLAYOFFS COACHED (6)

2022	NFC Wildcard Round	Minnesota Vikings
2019	NCAA FCS First Round	Wofford
2018	NCAA FCS First & Second Round	Wofford
2016	NCAA D3 First Round	Wisconsin-Platteville
2015	Holiday Bowl	Wisconsin

COACHING HIGHLIGHTS

• Siefkes arrived in Blacksburg after serving two seasons as linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals, where he helped mentor linebacker Kyzir White, who ranked 15^th in the NFL in tackles with 137 in 2024. He also worked alongside safety Budda Baker, who ranked second in the NFL with 164 tackles and earned Pro Bowl honors. Under Siefkes’ guidance, the Cardinals finished 2024 ranked among the NFL’s top defenses in several categories, including: 6^th in Opponent Second Half Points Per Game, 8^th in Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage, 10^th in Opponent Offensive Touchdowns, 11^th in Opponent Yards Per Completion, 12^th in DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average), 14^th in Opponent Offensive Points Per Game
• Prior to his time in Arizona, Siefkes spent two seasons (2021-22) with the Minnesota Vikings where he was the assistant linebackers coach in 2022 following one season (2021) as a defensive quality control coach. In 2022, with the Vikings, linebackers Eric Kendricks (137) and Jordan Hicks (128) had a combined 265 tackles and 4.0 sacks, 10 TFLs, six quarterback hits, an interception, 16 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Both players ranked in the top 20 in the league that season in tackles while Hicks was second among NFL linebackers with 10 passes defended. Kendricks led Minnesota in tackles for the seventh time and his 280 total tackles in two seasons (2021-22) working with Siefkes were the ninth best total in the NFL during that span.
• As a collegiate coordinator at Wofford (2018-2020), his defense ranked first in total defense and rushing defense two years in a row, leading the program to consecutive Southern Conference Championships and FCS playoff appearances.  
• In his first season at Wofford, the defense was ranked first in the Southern Conference in total defense and rushing defense. The defensive unit finished second in the conference in scoring defense and third in pass efficiency defense. Nationally, the squad ranked eighth in scoring defense and 12^th in total defense. Wofford finished with a 9-4 record in 2018 and advanced to the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
• The Terriers continued their defensive dominance in 2019 in the Southern Conference, finishing first in total defense, first in rushing defense, second in scoring defense and second in pass efficiency defense. The Terriers finished in the top 25 nationally in multiple defensive categories including total defense, scoring defense and passing defense. Wofford finished the 2019 campaign as Southern Conference champions with an 8-4 mark and earned an FCS playoff berth.
• Before his success at Wofford, Siefkes was the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin-Platteville in 2016 and 2017. The Pioneers allowed just 18.9 points per game in 2017 and recorded three shutouts.
• Siefkes’ coaching journey also includes time as a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin in 2015, where he worked alongside Dave Aranda and helped the Badgers achieve the nation's No. 1 scoring defense, No. 2 total defense, No. 4 rushing defense and No. 7 passing defense. Additionally, the Badgers, finished first in points allowed per possession, fourth in yards per play and 11^th in third down efficiency defense. Wisconsin capped off an impressive campaign in 2015 with a victory over USC in the Holiday Bowl, finishing 10-3.
• Siefkes began coaching at his alma mater, Wisconsin-La Crosse, after injuries ended his playing career as a defensive back. He also holds a master’s in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin.