Paul Guenther

Paul Guenther (born November 22, 1971) is an American football coach who is currently the associate head coach and defensive coordinator at UNLV. He was the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2014 to 2017 and the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders from 2018 to 2020.

Playing career Guenther played linebacker for the Ursinus Bears from 1990 to 1993 and was the team's most valuable defensive player twice. He set the Centennial Conference record for most career tackles with 355.

Coaching career Ursinus College In 1997, he was named head coach of his alma mater. He was the first Ursinus alumni to coach the school's football team since Ray Gurzynski in 1959 and at the age of 25, was the youngest head football coach at an NCAA college. He compiled a 25–18 record over his four seasons as head coach. Guenther announced his resignation on November 29, 2000, citing he and school president John Strassburger's "different expectations for the program." His .581 winning percentage was the third best in school history.

West Texas State After leaving Ursinus, Guenther spent one season as the defensive backs coach at West Texas State.

Cincinnati Bengals In 2004, Guenther was hired by the Cincinnati Bengals as an advance scout. He also assisted wide receivers coach Hue Jackson during training camp. He had previously worked with head coach Marvin Lewis in Washington. He was a special teams and defensive assistant from 2006 to 2014, when he was promoted to defensive coordinator after Mike Zimmer left to become head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders In 2018, Guenther was hired by the Oakland Raiders as their defensive coordinator serving under head coach Jon Gruden. On December 13, 2020, Guenther was fired by the Raiders following a 44–27 loss against the Indianapolis Colts.

Minnesota Vikings On February 10, 2021, Guenther was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as a senior defensive assistant, reuniting with head coach Mike Zimmer.

New England Patriots Guenther was hired by the New England Patriots as a senior defensive assistant.

Dallas Cowboys On February 16, 2024, Guenther was hired by the Dallas Cowboys to serve as the team's defensive run game coordinator.

UNLV On March 6, 2025, Guenther was hired by UNLV as their associate head coach. He assumed defensive coordinator duties for the 2025 season on an interim basis following Zach Arnett's resignation.

Head coaching record

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