Entering his 35th season as a coach, Kevin Coyle begins his first season with the Dolphins after being named defensive coordinator on January 27, 2012.

Coyle joins Miami from the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served the previous nine seasons (2003-11) as defensive backs coach after serving as cornerbacks coach from 2001-02.

In 2011, the Bengals ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense, which included a pass defense that finished ninth by allowing just 211.6 passing yards per game. Coyle’s secondary helped Cincinnati score a defensive touchdown in three straight games, with each of the scores initiated through a turnover created by a member of the defensive backfield. That feat had not been accomplished by the Bengals in nearly 30 years.

The 2010 season saw five veteran defensive backs due for starting jobs or significant reserve roles being placed on the Reserve/Injured list. The five players, safety Chris Crocker, cornerback Adam Jones, safety Chinedum Ndukwe, cornerback Morgan Trent and safety Gibril Wilson, missed a combined total of 46 games. Three other members of the defensive backfield saw their seasons end prematurely by injuries or illness, bringing the total to eight. Also hampered by injuries, though not placed on a reserve list, were starting cornerback Johnathan Joseph and starting strong safety Roy Williams. With spots open to fill, Coyle guided solid performances out of newcomers Reggie Nelson and Jonathan Wade, while continuing the development of second-year pro Rico Murray. The continuing standout for Coyle’s stable was cornerback Leon Hall. Also during the 2010 season, Coyle helped guide a productive return to the NFL for cornerback Adam Jones, prior to Jones’s season-ending injury after five games. Jones proved to be an explosive force and a solid team influence after sitting out the 2009 season.

In 2009, working with a healthier unit, Coyle directed a group that helped fuel the team’s capture of the AFC North Division title. The Bengals finished sixth in the NFL in net pass defense and fourth in overall defense.

In 2005, Coyle oversaw a 10 interception season by Pro Bowl cornerback Deltha O’Neal, the highest individual total in Bengals history. Overall, Bengals defensive backs had 23 of Cincinnati’s NFL-leading 31 interceptions on the year. O’Neal was the second defensive back under Coyle to make the Pro Bowl, as cornerback Tory James earned the honor in 2004, when he had eight interceptions.

Prior to joining the Bengals, Coyle served as defensive coordinator at Fresno State from 1997-2000, where his defenses produced three first-team All-Western Athletic Conference players in both ’99 and ’00, best in the league both years. Six players from Coyle’s Fresno State defenses went on to play in the NFL, including three defensive backs.

As Maryland’s defensive coordinator from 1994-96, Coyle oversaw a dramatic improvement in the Terrapins defense, steadily guiding a program that had struggled prior to his arrival and coaching future NFL cornerbacks Chad Scott and Lewis Sanders.

Serving as defensive coordinator at Syracuse from 1991-93, Coyle’s 1992 defense led the nation in interceptions (24) and set a school record for fewest rushing yards allowed (1,007) in an 11-game season. He also coached future NFL standout safety Donovin Darius.

Coyle was at Holy Cross from 1982-90. During his five years as defensive coordinator (1986-90), the school was the winningest Division I-AA team in the nation (49-5-1).

He began his college tenure in 1978 as a graduate assistant at the University of Cincinnati.

Coyle was born in Staten Island, N.Y. He and his wife, Louise, have a daughter.