Louisville undergoes a major shakeup in its coaching staff, as a veteran coach leaves the program. After three seasons as DC, the 57-year-old defensive coach, Ron English, is reportedly leaving the program, and reports reveal it was his own call to step down, and here’s why.

Why Is Ron English Leaving Louisville Football?

According to a report by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Louisville’s defensive coordinator and safeties coach, Ron English, is not expected to return for the 2026 season, along with DL coach Mark Hagen.

The report reveals that English has informed Louisville officials that he’d like to step down from the DC role for a year to watch his son, Seth’s, final football season at the Navy. His son is currently in his junior year in the Navy.

English leaves the program after developing the 2025 Cardinals defense that showed some real growth, consistency, and toughness throughout the season, helping the school to a solid 9-3 finish to the season.

Did Ron English Quit or Take a Break From Coaching at Louisville?

Ron English didn’t quit his defensive coaching role at Louisville. He had only stepped away for a year from his coaching role. Ron will only be having a temporary break from his coaching role with the Cardinals to spend some time with his son in his final season at the Navy.

How Ron English’s Family Influenced His Coaching Decision

There is no credible information on whether he was influenced by his family to step away from the coaching decision or not. However, it is widely seen as the love for his son and family. Ron, since becoming a member of Bethesda Bible Church in 2014, has changed his priorities.

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“You always hear coaches say God, family, and football in that order,” said English after being fired by Eastern Michigan. “Football was my God. That won’t happen again because my priorities are straight now. Anybody who knows me knows I love football, so that passion will be there.”

Reports also revealed that Ron started spending more time with his kids since then and prioritizes balancing football and family. Since his younger son, Seth English, is having his final year at the Navy, he keeps his priority in mind to step away from football, for his family.

Is Ron English Coming Back to Louisville After 2026?

Things still look cloudy on whether English will return to the Cardinals staff after the 2026 season. Some reports suggest that he is expected to be back on the Cardinals’ staff after the 2026 season. However, his contract reveals the opposite.

English signed a contract in February 2022 that runs through Jan. 31, 2026, that pays him $800,000 a year. With that being said, he only has a month left on his contract. If English didn’t sign any contract extension with the program, his chance of returning is probably low.

Who Will Replace Ron English at Louisville?

As of now, there is no credible information available on who will replace Ron English as the DC. Since Mark Hagen is also not expected to return for the 2026 season, there’s a high chance that Jeff Brohm will look to hire a new defensive coordinator in a short time, as the transfer portal is around the corner.

What Louisville’s Coaching Change Means for the Defense

Losing Ron English could be a big setback for Louisville’s defense. After a downfall in the 2024 season, ranking 65th nationally in total defense, the program had significant improvement this past season. The Cardinals were ranked 17th in total defense, 24th in rushing defense, and 26th in passing yards allowed per game, finishing the season with a 9-4 final record.

On the other hand, the time of announcement makes things more crucial. With just three days for the 2026 transfer portal window, Jeff Brohm’s staff is under pressure to find its new DC, as recruiting of defensive players from the portal could become extremely difficult.