Robin Ross is in his second year as graduate assistant coach for tight ends after spending three seasons as the head coach at Western Washington University (eliminated football post 2008 season).
Ross spent the 2005 season at OSU as the linebackers coach after serving the previous four years at the University of Oregon as the special teams and tight ends coach. In 2005 he coached Pac-10 Conference First Team selections Keith Ellison and Trent Bray, and second team honoree Derrick Doggett (special teams). He was part of a defensive coaching staff that helped the Beavers finish first in the conference for rush defense, allowing 108 yards per game.
At WWU, Ross rebuilt the Vikings and in the program's final season of play led it to postseason for the first time since 1999, defeating the Colorado School of Mines in the Dixie Rotary Bowl.
Ross, a 1977 graduate of Washington State University, began his coaching career the same year at Long Beach State. He remained at LBSU through 1983 and then accepted the defensive coordinator position at the University of Cincinnati where he had a two-year stint beginning in 1984. He also has been the defensive coordinator at Fresno State (1996), Western Washington (1994-95) and Iowa State (1987-93).
Ross' other coaching stops include the Oakland Raiders (1999-2000), Oregon (1997-98) and Washington State (1986). The Raiders won the 2000 AFC West title and he would go on to coach the linebackers in the Pro Bowl.
He had a successful playing career, starting at Rio Hondo Community College in Whittier, Calif., in 1972. He played two seasons and earned first team all-conference as an offensive lineman. Ross transferred to WSU, where he earned honorable mention All-American and second team All-Pac-8 Conference. He was drafted in the 10th round by the San Francisco 49ers and played preseason for the Seattle Seahawks.
Ross is a 1977 graduate of Washington State with a bachelor's degree in physical education. He is married to Jean.
ROSS PROFILE
Assignment:Tight Ends Year at OSU:3rd Hometown:Huntington Park, California Education: Bachelor's in Physical Education from Washington State (1977) Wife: Jean
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Oregon State, 2009 & 2005; Western Washington, 2006-2008 & 1994-95; Oregon, 2001-04 & 1997-98; Oakland Raiders, 1999-2000; Fresno State, 1996; Iowa State, 1987-93; Washington State, 1986; Cincinnati, 1984-85; Long Beach State, 1977-83.
OSU HIGHLIGHTS
2009 Developed future star TE Joe Halahuni 2005 Keith Ellison (LB) - 1st Team All-Pac-10; 6th round pick of Buffalo Bills; Trent Bray (LB) - 1st Team All-Pac-10; Rush Defense, 1st in Pac-10 (108.0 per game)
