Michael Ketchum is entering his third season as defensive coordinator for the Hampton University football program. In addition to the linebacker corps, Ketchum will be responsible for recruiting, developing defensive schemes, and game planning.
His defense in 2016 finished second in the MEAC in total yards per game (340.5), third in rushing yards allowed per game (159.0) and tied for fourth in points per game (24.5) against a schedule with a FBS bowl opponent and two perennial FCS playoff contenders.
In 2015, the Pirates gave up just over 21 points per game, but racked up 25 sacks and held four opponents to just 10 points or less – including a shutout of Florida A&M and giving up just three points to Savannah State to close out the season.
The shutout was the program’s first since a 23-0 blanking of Delaware State in 2014.
Defensive end Miles Grooms, who ranked second in the MEAC in sacks, was a First Team All-MEAC selection, while defensive lineman Charles Owens and linebacker Joshua Thorne both earned Third Team All-MEAC accolades.
Ketchum came to Hampton from Delaware State, where he had served as defensive coordinator since 2011. Under Ketchum’s leadership, the Hornets ranked third in the MEAC in passing defense, and Delaware State was fifth in the conference in total defense.
Prior to that, Ketchum spent the 2010 season as the defensive line coach at Winston-Salem State, where he also served as the team’s academic liaison and a liaison to NFL scouts. In the four seasons prior to that, Ketchum was Winston-Salem State’s defensive coordinator and strength coach.
Ketchum served as the head coach at his alma mater, Guilford College, from 1991-2004, and in that span, he won the only two conference championships in program history. During his tenure, Guilford boasted six All-Americans, 67 All-Conference selections, and he was twice named the conference Coach of the Year.
He also served as Guilford’s Director of Athletics from 1996-2002.
Prior to that, Ketchum was Guilford’s defensive coordinator for three seasons, while also serving as strength and conditioning coach and recruiting coordinator.
His first collegiate coaching job post-graduation came at Carson-Newman College, where Ketchum served as defensive line coach from 1985-88. While Ketchum was there, Carson-Newman won the 1986 national championship and was the national runner-up in 1987.
While pursuing a Master’s in education at the University of Florida from 1983-84, Ketchum served as a graduate assistant for the Gators. He primarily coached the team’s offensive line and tight ends, and he was part of the 1983 team that won the SEC and the Gator Bowl.
His first coaching job came in 1979-80, when Ketchum was the offensive line coach for the JV team at Eau Gallie High School.
Ketchum played his collegiate football at Guilford, where after serving as a backup as a freshman, he started at center as a sophomore. In his junior and senior seasons, Ketchum started at guard and nose guard, respectively. He was the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player as a senior, and he won the Nercus English Leadership Award.
Ketchum is a member of the American Football Coaches Association.
Ketchum, a native of Greensboro, N.C., has two children with his wife Belinda: Lilly (35) and Matt (29). In his spare time, Ketchum enjoys fishing.
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