Bill Sheridan returns to the NFL in 2025 as a senior defensive assistant for Jacksonville. Most recently, Sheridan spent two seasons as linebackers coach for the UFL's Arlington Renegades (2023-24). Sheridan helped lead the Renegades to win the then-XFL championship in 2023, the team's first-ever title.
Prior to his time with the Renegades, Sheridan served two seasons as defensive line coach at Air Force (2020-21). In 2020, Air Force's defense was among the top units in program history. The defense finished third nationally in points allowed per game (15.0), Air Force's best mark since 1997. The Academy additionally ranked fifth nationally in passing yards allowed (166.8) and fourth in red zone defense (.692). Sheridan also aided in the development of DT George Silvanic, who led the Falcons in tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (2.5) and earned an All-MW honorable mention.
As linebackers coach for Boston College (2018-19), Sheridan coached a linebacker unit that featured All-ACC LB Connor Strachan, who led the team with 91 tackles and eventually signed with Jacksonville in 2019. He also oversaw the development of LB Isaiah McDuffie and LB Max Richardson into two of the team's top tacklers.
Prior to his time at Boston College, Sheridan spent the previous 13 seasons coaching in the NFL as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants (2009) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-13), and as linebackers coach for the Giants (2005-08), Miami Dolphins (2010-11) and Detroit Lions (2014-17).
Sheridan helped the Detroit Lions to a pair of playoff appearances between 2014 and 2017 while coaching All-Pro LB DeAndre Levy in 2014. He was also the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive coordinator from 2012-13, where he helped develop two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl DL Gerald McCoy, All-Pro CB Darrelle Revis and All-Pro LB Lavonte David.
Sheridan spent two years as the linebackers coach with the Miami Dolphins from 2010-11, training two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl LB Cameron Wake.
Sheridan's first NFL coaching stint was as linebackers coach for the New York Giants (2005-08) before becoming defensive coordinator in 2009. Sheridan helped the Giants to four consecutive playoff appearances between 2005-08, including a Super Bowl XLII victory over the New England Patriots. While at the Giants, he coached Pro Bowl LB Antonio Pierce who posted career-highs in tackles (139), solo tackles (109) and tackles for loss (10) under Sheridan's leadership in 2006.
Sheridan coached seasons at Michigan from 2002-04, including one as linebackers coach (2002). He spent two seasons as the defensive line coach (2003-04), helping lead Michigan to Big Ten titles and Rose Bowl appearances in 2003 and 2004. Additionally, he served as the recruiting coordinator for two years (2002-03). Prior to his stint at Michigan, he coached at Notre Dame in 2001 as the safeties and special teams coach.
Sheridan worked at Michigan State from 1998-00 as linebackers coach, spending two years under Spartans head coach Nick Saban. He oversaw the development of First-Team All-American LB Julian Peterson (1999), who produced a program-record 30 tackles for loss and 15.0 sacks. Peterson was also named the most valuable player of the Spartans' victory in the 2000 Citrus Bowl.
Sheridan was an assistant coach at Army for six years (1992-97), including four as linebackers coach from 1992-95 and two as defensive backs coach from 1996-97. He helped Army finish 24th in the final USA Today Coaches poll in 1996 with a 10-2 record and appearance in the Independence Bowl. The Black Knights won five consecutive Army-Navy games during his first five seasons in West Point.
Before his tenure at Army, Sheridan coached linebackers at Maine (1987-88) and Cincinnati (1989-91). He began his career as an assistant coach at Shrine Catholic (Mich.) High School from 1981-84 before moving into the college ranks as a graduate assistant at Michigan (1985-86) under Bo Schembechler.
The Detroit, Mich., native earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Grand Valley State (1982), where he was a four-year letterman and three-year starter at linebacker.
Sheridan and his wife, Jaycine, have four children: Joseph, Nicholas, Mark and Natalie.
