Bielema adds Cross to coaching staff
February 18, 2011 | Football
Feb. 18, 2011
MADISON, Wis. -- Head football coach Bret Bielema filled one of the two vacancies on his coaching staff on Friday, announcing that the Badgers have hired DeMontie Cross as special teams coordinator and safeties coach.
“During my time as head coach I have tried to hire DeMontie a number of times and the timing was finally right,” Bielema said. “He will be heavily involved in special teams as well as with our defensive staff. He is a tremendous addition and will help our recruiting efforts in the St. Louis area. DeMontie’s hiring strengthens our staff and will help us continue to improve as a football team.”
Cross spent the previous five seasons in various positions with the Buffalo Bills. He joined the Bills as a defensive/special teams assistant in 2006 and was then promoted to assistant linebackers coach/special teams for three seasons. Last year Cross was promoted again, coaching the Bills’ inside linebackers.
“I’m very thankful for the chance to join coach Bielema’s staff and become a part of the Wisconsin family,” Cross said. “The program is obviously headed in the right direction and competing for championships. I’ve worked hard to get to this position in my career and am excited for the opportunity.”
Cross made the jump to the NFL after spending 2001-05 as Iowa State’s outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. Cross’ unit made major contributions to the Cyclones’ record-setting defenses during his stint. Cross helped develop Jeremy Loyd into an All-Big 12 performer who played for the St. Louis Rams. Cross was on the same coaching staff with Wisconsin co-defensive coordinators Chris Ash and Charlie Partridge for a time at ISU.
“The chemistry factor is very important,” Cross said. “It will help us not only in recruiting but also game-planning and working together as a staff.”
Cross spent the 2000 season coaching a defensive backfield at Sam Houston State that ranked second nationally (FCS). Cross’ Sam Houston State pass defense was led by free safety Keith Davis, who was the Southland Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year and started the 2005 season for the Dallas Cowboys at safety.
Cross began his coaching career as the outside linebackers coach at his alma mater, Missouri (1998-99).
A 1997 Missouri graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Cross made 415 career tackles at free safety for the Tigers from 1994-96. He led Missouri in tackles as a junior and senior and earned second-team all-conference honors from the Big Eight in 1995 and the Big 12 in 1996.
Cross attended Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis, Mo., the same high school as former Badgers Scott Starks, Brandon Williams, Terrell Fletcher and Jamar Fletcher.
“I played with Terrell and know Wisconsin has a great history with players from the area,” Cross said. “I look forward to trying to keep that pipeline alive.”
Cross has two daughters, Jadyn and Sheridan.
