Joe Rankin - Cornerbacks | Defensive Pass Game Coordinator - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Joe Rankin

Title:
Cornerbacks | Defensive Pass Game Coordinator

Joe Rankin enters his first season at the University of New Hampshire in 2026 as Cornerbacks Coach and Pass Game Coordinator.

A former four-year letterman and starter at Morgan State University, Rankin was a two-year team captain, multiple all-conference selection, and finished his career as the program’s second all-time leader in interceptions. Following his collegiate career, he spent time in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, as well as in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes.

Prior to arriving in Durham, Rankin spent three seasons (2023–25) at Central Connecticut State University as Cornerbacks Coach and co-Special Teams Coordinator. During his tenure, the Blue Devils captured back-to-back Northeast Conference championships (2024, 2025) and earned consecutive FCS playoff appearances -- the first run in program history.

Rankin built and developed one of the Northeast Conference’s most disruptive cornerback and returner units, producing one All-New England honoree and four all-conference honorees in three seasons while helping lead a defense that ranked No. 1 in the NEC and No. 1 in the FCS in turnovers gained (2024) and No. 1 in the NEC and tied for top 10 nationally in interceptions. Under his direction, the perimeter unit became a driving force behind championship success and postseason play.

At Central Connecticut, he coached:

Brayden Hall – Second Team All-NEC Cornerback (2025)
Donovan Wadley – First Team All-NEC Return Specialist (2025)
Davone Walden Jr. – First Team All-New England Cornerback, First Team All-NEC Cornerback, NEC Leader in Passes Defended (2024)
Jadon Turner – Second Team All-NEC Return Specialist, 26.2 Return Average - 17th FCS (2024)

In 2025, Rankin was named the ninth recipient of the Pioli Family Fund for HBCU Coaches and Scouts, an initiative established through the Pro Football Hall of Fame to support the professional development and advancement of HBCU coaches and scouts. The recognition reflects his continued commitment to excellence, leadership, and growth within the profession.

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