Bob Trott Named Virginia Linebackers Coach
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Charlottesville, VA Virginia head football coach Al Groh announced today the hiring of long-time veteran college and professional coach Bob Trott. He will coach the Cavalier linebackers. Trott’s appointment fills the final vacancy on the Virginia staff.
Trott comes to Virginia after spending the past five years as a defensive assistant/linebackers coach for Romeo Crennel at the Cleveland Browns. His coaching resume includes other NFL experience with the New England Patriots from 1993 to 1995 and the New York Giants from 1991 to 1992. At both of those franchises, he worked as a defensive assistant while Groh was the team’s defensive coordinator for at least one season.
Trott and Groh first coached together at the Air Force Academy for two seasons starting in 1978. A 1976 graduate of North Carolina, Trott was a three-year letterman at safety for the Tar Heels while Groh served as the team’s linebackers coach under Bill Dooley.
“I have been associated with Bobby when he was a player, and as a colleague on three staffs,” Groh said. “He has always been the same guy resourceful, analytical, diligent, and totally committed to the team. He has been successful at the college level and the NFL. Bobby’s time under Bill Parcells and Romeo Crennel gives him a strong background in our beliefs and systems. He is an excellent fit for Virginia football.”
Trott returns to the collegiate ranks for the first time since working as the defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach at Louisiana-Monroe from 2003-2004. He previously worked as the defensive coordinator at Baylor (2002-03), Duke (1996-2001), Clemson (1990) and Arkansas (1989). He also coached defensive backs at each of those schools, including his entire tenure (1984-1989) at Arkansas. His full-time coaching career started at Air Force in 1978 where he coached the defensive line for five years. He was a graduate assistant at North Carolina for the 1976 and 1977 seasons.
“To be back in the ACC and associated again with Al Groh is an exciting combination for me,” Trott said. “To be at the University of Virginia tops it off. I understand and believe in how all these guys think and coach. Al’s teams are highly respected within the NFL for toughness, preparation and player development. I’m anxious for the challenge to add to all of that.”
Trott’s resume includes 11 bowl appearances. At Arkansas, the Razorbacks won Southwest Conference titles in 1988 and 1989. His only season as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, the Tigers led the nation in total defense, allowing just 217 yards per game.
Trott was born in Concord, N.C., in 1954, and grew up in nearby Kannapolis where he attended A.L. Brown High School. He played safety at North Carolina, and served as a senior captain in his final season. He also excelled in the classroom, making the all-Atlantic Coast Conference Academic team in 1975. He received a bachelor’s degree in business from UNC in 1976, and in 1982, was awarded a master’s degree in education. Trott and his wife, Barbara, have three children, Amanda, Nathan and Brittany.