University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn Announces John Pagano Hired as Special Assistant to the Head Coach
8/21/2023 4:53:00 PM | Football
STORRS, Conn. – UConn head football coach Jim Mora announced the hiring of John Pagano, a 26-year NFL coaching veteran, as special assistant to the head coach.
Pagano most recently served as the outside linebacker coach with the Denver Broncos in 2020 and 2021. He served as a senior defensive assistant and outside linebackers coach for the Texans during 2018-19. Before that, Pagano was the then San Diego Chargers' defensive coordinator from 2012-16 and the Raiders' assistant head coach – defense coordinator in 2017. Pagano spent three seasons in Indianapolis as a defensive assistant from 1998-2001 before beginning his tenure in San Diego in 2002.
During his career, he has coached Pro Bowlers Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack, Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips. Merriman earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 with Pagano as his position coach.
Pagano's defenses for the Chargers twice ranked in the top 10 in yards allowed, and they scored the fifth-most defensive touchdowns in the NFL during his time as the defensive coordinator.
