Kevin Kane

Kevin Kane (born December 18, 1983) is an American college football coach and former linebacker. He played college football at Kansas from 2002 to 2005. He served as the defensive coordinator of the Northern Illinois Huskies (2016–2017), SMU Mustangs (2018–2020), the Purdue Boilermakers (2023–2024; 2026–present), and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Playing career Born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 18, 1983, Kane attended Rockhurst High School, where he helped lead the team to a state championship in his junior season.

Kane played linebacker for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2002 to 2005. He was twice named Honorable Mention All-Big 12, and was Academic All-Big 12 three times. Kane was named a team captain for his senior season.

In 2008, Kane joined the Wisconsin football program, as a defensive graduate assistant for two seasons, and then as a defensive quality control coach in 2010. In 2018 Kane was named a Broyles award nominee.

Kane was named the associate head coach & outside linebackers coach at Illinois in January 2021. The move reunited Kane with Bret Bielema, whom he worked under at Wisconsin. In 2022, Kane assisted defensive coordinator Ryan Walters to lead one of the top defenses in the Nation. The Fighting Illini defense finished the year in the top 8 in rushing defense, passing defense, total defense, and number one in scoring defense after giving up 12.3 points per game. This stellar performance helped Walters land the head coaching position at Purdue.

Following the 2022 season, Kane followed Walters to Purdue as the defensive coordinator.

Personal life Kane and his wife Theresa have three children.