Chris Ball Hometown: Webster Groves, Mo. Position: Secondary Birthdate: 05/07/1963 Alma Mater: Missouri Western '86

University of Pittsburgh head football coach Dave Wannstedt announced in January the appointment of CHRIS BALL as Pitt's secondary coach. Ball spent the last four seasons coaching the secondary at Alabama.

Outstanding defensive backfields have been a hallmark of Ball's 20-year coaching career. While at Alabama (2003-06) he oversaw the development of some of the finest secondaries and defensive backs in the country.

In 2004 Alabama ranked first nationally in pass defense and second in pass efficiency defense. The Crimson Tide allowed just 113.1 yards per game through the air and limited opposing quarterbacks to a 92.8 rating.

In 2005 the Tide ranked fifth nationally in both pass defense (160.75 yds./game) and pass efficiency defense (97.82 rating). The strong secondary play helped Alabama finish second in the country in total defense, yielding just over 255 yards per game.

Ball coached two first-team All-Southeastern Conference defensive backs the last two years. In 2006 he oversaw the development of All-SEC cornerback Simeon Castille, who led the Tide with six interceptions. The year prior, free safety Roman Harper was a unanimous All-SEC selection and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, annually presented to the nation's top defensive back. Harper, who became one of only six players at Alabama to compile over 300 career tackles, now plays for the New Orleans Saints.

Prior to Alabama, Ball coached the secondary at Washington State (2000-02). During his three-year tenure, the Cougars intercepted an impressive 60 passes. During the 2001 season, Washington State intercepted a school-record 30 passes.

The standout in that '01 secondary was All-America free safety Lamont Thompson. Now a member of the Tennessee Titans, Thompson finished his collegiate career as Washington State's all-time interceptions leader with 24. His four picks against UCLA in 2001 established a Pac-10 record. Ball also coached cornerback Marcus Trufant, a first-team All-Pac-10 performer and second team All-American in 2002. Trufant is now with the Seattle Seahawks.

Ball was an outstanding player himself on the collegiate level, earning All-America honors as a defensive back at Missouri Western in 1985. He earned his bachelor's degree from Missouri Western in 1986 before embarking on his coaching career.

His additional coaching stops include Idaho State (1999, defensive coordinator/linebackers), Missouri Western (1997-98, defensive coordinator), Western Oregon State (1995-96, assistant head coach/secondary), Coffeyville (Ks.) Community College (1991-94, secondary), Washington State (1989-90, cornerbacks), Akron (1987-88, secondary/special teams) and Northeast Missouri State (1986-87, secondary).

Personal Information

Born: 5/7/63

Hometown: Webster Groves, Mo.

Alma Mater: Missouri Western, `86

Family: Ball and his wife Tandi have two children, son Brennan (14) and daughter Abigail (3).

Coaching Experience

College:

Missouri Western, 1986, graduate assistant.

Northeast Missouri State, 1986-87, secondary.

Akron, 1987-88, secondary & special teams.

Washington State, 1989-90, cornerbacks.

Coffeyville Community College, 1991-94, secondary.

Western Oregon State College, 1995-96, assistant head coach & secondary.

Missouri Western, 1997-98, defensive coordinator.

Idaho State, 1999, defensive coordinator, linebackers.

Washington State, 2000-02, secondary.

Alabama, 2003-06, secondary.

Pittsburgh, 2007, secondary.