Co-Defensive Coordinator Steve Ellis Brings A New Voice to the Defense in 2026
March 18, 2026 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville's defense was one of the best in school history last season.
Despite a lot of success, there were some changes on the defensive side of the football, especially in the leadership position.
Despite a change in the leadership on that side of the football, some of the same voices return in 2026, especially with the return of Steve Ellis.
Ellis was elevated to co-defensive coordinator this season, and the veteran coach is trying to duplicate the success of a unit that was one of the best in the nation a year ago.
Louisville's defense helped the Cardinals finish 9–4, which was capped by a bowl win over Toledo. With the offense searching for an identity last season, the defense kept the Cardinals in most games for a lot of the season.
With five starters back, including a stalwart in the secondary like Tayon Holloway, the Cardinals are poised to return to form after allowing just 303.1 yards per game last season.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity. I'm definitely excited about this new challenge," Ellis said. "It's another stepping stone for me in my career, and I'm excited to be a part of something special. I'm just trying to get better. Coach Mark Ivey and I have a big challenge ahead of us, but I know we are up for it. We return some good talent, and we're fortunate to add some good players from the transfer portal."
Two days into spring practice, things have progressed at a rapid pace, especially in the secondary. Holloway and Antonio Harris are the returning players there, but they have welcomed transfers Santana Wilson, D.J. Waller and Brycen Scott to the cornerback position.
"I like the way things have gone so far," Holloway said. "I think things are progressing well through this short period of time. I'm just trying to tell them some of the things I've learned from my experience and be a leader in the secondary."
Ellis is one of the top teachers in the game, and the players understand this is a great chance to refine their technique and become better football players.
"We know Coach Ellis is a great coach," Wilson said. "He gets us to buy into what he's teaching. It's been a great experience so far, and I'm looking forward to continuing the learning process."
With Ellis at the helm in the secondary, many players have benefited from his experience. The fourth-year coach has helped send a number of former Cardinals to the pros, including Jarvis Brownlee, Storm Duck, Corey Thornton and Quincy Riley.
"I think this is just another opportunity for us," Ellis said. "You work and try to do the best you can to improve. I've been fortunate to coach some great players here who have gone to the next level."
One player who has an opportunity to be the next standout at the professional level is Holloway. A starter in all 13 games last season, he recorded 47 tackles and a pair of interceptions, but his presence often forced teams to target the opposite side of the field.
"It's vital to have a guy like Tayon Holloway returning in the secondary," Ellis said. "He's taking on more of a leadership role. He's a role model for those guys, not only in football but in how he approaches his job in meetings and in the weight room."
The Cardinals return to the practice field Monday afternoon.
Despite a lot of success, there were some changes on the defensive side of the football, especially in the leadership position.
Despite a change in the leadership on that side of the football, some of the same voices return in 2026, especially with the return of Steve Ellis.
Ellis was elevated to co-defensive coordinator this season, and the veteran coach is trying to duplicate the success of a unit that was one of the best in the nation a year ago.
Louisville's defense helped the Cardinals finish 9–4, which was capped by a bowl win over Toledo. With the offense searching for an identity last season, the defense kept the Cardinals in most games for a lot of the season.
With five starters back, including a stalwart in the secondary like Tayon Holloway, the Cardinals are poised to return to form after allowing just 303.1 yards per game last season.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity. I'm definitely excited about this new challenge," Ellis said. "It's another stepping stone for me in my career, and I'm excited to be a part of something special. I'm just trying to get better. Coach Mark Ivey and I have a big challenge ahead of us, but I know we are up for it. We return some good talent, and we're fortunate to add some good players from the transfer portal."
Two days into spring practice, things have progressed at a rapid pace, especially in the secondary. Holloway and Antonio Harris are the returning players there, but they have welcomed transfers Santana Wilson, D.J. Waller and Brycen Scott to the cornerback position.
"I like the way things have gone so far," Holloway said. "I think things are progressing well through this short period of time. I'm just trying to tell them some of the things I've learned from my experience and be a leader in the secondary."
Ellis is one of the top teachers in the game, and the players understand this is a great chance to refine their technique and become better football players.
"We know Coach Ellis is a great coach," Wilson said. "He gets us to buy into what he's teaching. It's been a great experience so far, and I'm looking forward to continuing the learning process."
With Ellis at the helm in the secondary, many players have benefited from his experience. The fourth-year coach has helped send a number of former Cardinals to the pros, including Jarvis Brownlee, Storm Duck, Corey Thornton and Quincy Riley.
"I think this is just another opportunity for us," Ellis said. "You work and try to do the best you can to improve. I've been fortunate to coach some great players here who have gone to the next level."
One player who has an opportunity to be the next standout at the professional level is Holloway. A starter in all 13 games last season, he recorded 47 tackles and a pair of interceptions, but his presence often forced teams to target the opposite side of the field.
"It's vital to have a guy like Tayon Holloway returning in the secondary," Ellis said. "He's taking on more of a leadership role. He's a role model for those guys, not only in football but in how he approaches his job in meetings and in the weight room."
The Cardinals return to the practice field Monday afternoon.
Players Mentioned
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/ FootballFB: Santana Wilson, DJ Waller and Tayon Holloway Post Practice Media Availability
Wednesday, March 18
FB: Jeff Brohm Post Practice Media Availability (3/17/26)
Wednesday, March 18
FB: Steve Ellis Post Practice Media Availability (3/18/26)
Wednesday, March 18
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