Florida Atlantic University head football coach Lane Kiffin has appointed Glenn Spencer as defensive coordinator of the FAU Owls. Spencer most recently held the same position with the Charlotte 49ers.

In one season at Charlotte, Spencer revitalized the defensive unit. The 49ers were ranked 11th in the county with 88.5 rushing yards per game. Additionally, the 49ers ranked third in C-USA and 14th in the FBS in total defense allowing just 306.6 total yards of offense.

Prior to Charlotte, Spencer spent 10 years at Oklahoma State University as defensive coordinator, defensive line coach and linebackers coach.

During his 10 years at OSU, Spencer was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator for five seasons. The Cowboys amassed a 96-34 record over those 10 years and won both the 2011 and 2012 Fiesta Bowl games. OSU made additional trips to New Year’s Six bowl games – the Sugar Bowl in 2016 and 2015, as well as the Cotton Bowl in 2014, 2013, 2010 and 2009. The Cowboys enjoyed 10-win seasons in six of Spencer’s last seven years and won six of their last eight bowl games.  

Hired as the Cowboys' defensive line coach in 2008, Spencer began coaching the linebackers in 2009. He coached linebackers for the remainder of his time in Stillwater and was named co-defensive coordinator in 2011 before taking on defensive coordinator responsibilities completely in 2013.  He will serve as FAU’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

Prior to his time at OSU, Spencer was the assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator at Duke University. He coached the defensive backs and linebackers from 2004-06. He also coached at Georgia Tech from 2001-03, and spent three years as head coach at the University of West Georgia Wolves.  

Spencer began his coaching career at West Georgia, where he was linebackers coach from 1990-97. He became defensive coordinator in 1997-98 and took over as head coach from 1998-2000. The Wolves went 28-7 with Spencer at the helm, including Gulf South Conference titles in 1998 and 2000. Spencer was named the NCAA Division II Region Coach of the Year in 1998 and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs in both 1998 and 2000.

A native of Douglasville, Georgia, Spencer graduated from Georgia Tech in 1987 with a degree in management. He was a four-year letterwinner as a defensive tackle from 1982-85.

All FAU hires are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check.