John Scott

John Scott Jr. (born December 15, 1975) is an American football coach and former player. He is the defensive line coach and Assistant Head coach for the Syracuse Orange. Scott played professionally for the Greensboro Prowlers of the AF2 and the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL before entering the collegiate coaching ranks.

Playing career High school Scott played for Greer High School in Greer, South Carolina. He graduated in 1995 after playing on the 1994 state championship team.

College Scott lettered at Western Carolina at the defensive end position for four years from 1995 to 1998. In 1997, Scott led all defensive linemen in tackles, and was a second team All-Southern Conference selection. Scott graduated with a Bachelor's degree in communications in 2000.

Professional Following his graduation from Western Carolina, Scott played three years of professional football. From 2000 to 2001, Scott played for the Greensboro Prowlers of the Af2 league and was named the team's defensive player of the year in 2000. In 2003, Scott participated in preseason camp for the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes.

In January 2013, Scott was hired as the defensive line coach for Texas Tech under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. During his two seasons with the Red Raiders, Scott mentored All-Big 12, Kerry Hyder and Branden Jackson. He was promoted to assistant defensive line coach on February 9, 2016.

Arkansas Razorbacks Scott was hired by the Arkansas Razorbacks and head coach Bret Bielema as the new defensive line coach on February 7, 2017, replacing Rory Segrest. He remained on staff in 2018. Under Scott Jr.'s guidance, Javon Kinlaw was named first-team All-SEC by the coaches.

Penn State Nittany Lions On February 8, 2020, Scott was announced as the defensive line coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions and head coach James Franklin.

Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions hired Scott as their defensive line coach on February 27, 2023.

Syracuse Orange The Syracuse Orange hired Scott as their assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach on December 23, 2025.