Ben Albert

Ben Albert (born March 19, 1971) is an American football coach and former player. He is the assistant head coach, special teams coordinator, and defensive line coach for the University of Massachusetts Amherst, positions he has held since 2022. Albert's previous stops include the University of Richmond, Rutgers University, the University of Delaware, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Temple University, Boston College, and Duke University.

Coaching career

UMass (First stint) Immediately following his playing career came to an end, Albert began coaching as a graduate assistant, coaching the defensive line for his alma mater, UMass, in 1995 and 1996.

Richmond (First stint) From 1997 to 2000, Albert coached the defensive line and linebackers on Jim Reid’s staff at Richmond. Reid was the head coach at UMass for Albert's first two seasons as a player. Albert coached future NFL players Tahir Whitehead, Adrian Robinson, and John Youboty.

Duke From 2016 through 2021, Albert was on David Cutcliffe’s staff at Duke. Hired as the defensive line coach, Albert's defensive line tallied 29 sacks in 2016, after only managing 17 in the previous season.

The 2020 season was one of great success for Albert's defensive line. Rumph II and Dimukeje were both drafted in the 2021 NFL draft. Rumph II finished tied for most sacks in a single season with 8 and third on the career sacks all-time list with 17.5, and Dimukeje finished second on the career sacks all-time list with 21.5.

Playing career Albert was a three-year starter and an all-conference defensive lineman at UMass, graduating in 1985.

Personal life Albert and his wife, Lisa, have two children. He has degrees in political science and sociology and a master's degree in education.