Keith Heyward - Football Coach - University of Oregon Athletics

Keith Heyward

Title:
Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties

Keith Heyward, who has spent a bulk of his coaching career in the Pac-12 Conference, is in his fourth season at Oregon and second as assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach for the Ducks.

Heyward and Mario Cristobal both came to Oregon as assistant coaches in 2017, and when Cristobal was named head coach, Heyward stayed with the program and was named co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Prior to the 2019 season, Heyward added the title of assistant head coach.

Heyward is entering his 14th season as an assistant coach with 11 of the last 12 years spent coaching in the Pac-12 Conference. After spending his first season (2007) as a full-time coach at Cal Poly, where he coached linebackers, Heyward returned to Oregon State, his alma mater, where he spent the next four seasons (2008-2011) coaching defensive backs.

Heyward continued to coach DBs after he moved to Washington for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, before heading to USC to coach defensive backs while adding the title of passing game coordinator for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. In his one season outside the Pac-12 since 2008, Heyward coached defensive backs at Louisville during the 2016 season.

Heyward has consistently sent players he has coached or recruited to the next level. In 13 seasons, 21 of Heyward’s players have been drafted including five in the first round and three more in the second round.

While Heyward was at Washington, the Atlanta Falcons selected cornerback Desmond Trufant in the first round. The New Orleans Saints drafted Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who Heyward recruited to Corvallis, in the first round in 2014 and the Kansas City Chiefs selected UW’s Marcus Peters in the first round in 2015. The Tennessee Titans selected USC’s Adoree’ Jackson in round one of the 2017 NFL Draft, while the Green Bay Packers selected Louisville’s corner Jaire Alexander the next season. USC’s Su’a Cravens and JuJu Smith-Schuster and Washington’s Kevin King were second-round selections.

OREGON (2017-Present)
Heyward has been instrumental in Oregon’s massive improvement on the defensive side of the ball since joining the Oregon staff before the 2017 season.

He is one of two coaches, along with defensive line coach Joe Salave’a, still on the defensive side of the ball who came to Oregon following the Ducks’ defensive struggles during the 2016 season. Heyward and the Ducks’ 2019 defense allowed 24.9 fewer points per game than the 2016 Oregon defense. The 2019 squad also allowed 189.3 fewer total yards than the 2016 team, as well as 51.8 fewer passing yards while more than doubling interceptions (9 in 2016; 20 in 2019) and increasing passes defended from 55 to 76 in 2019.

As far as national ranking are concerned, Oregon climbed from 126th nationally in points allowed in 2016 (41.4 ppg) to ninth in 2019 (16.5 ppg). Oregon’s improvement in total yards defense has jumped from 126th (518.4 ypg) to 22nd (329.1 ypg) during that time while its passing defense has climbed from 113th (271.9) to 53rd (220.1). Oregon finished second in the country in picks in 2019, a drastic improvement over a No. 81 ranking in 2016.

In 2019, Oregon’s defense ranked either first or second in the Pac-12 in nearly every major category after ranking ninth or worse in 10 major statistical categories in 2016.

In the three seasons that Heyward has coached at Oregon, the Ducks are the only team in the country with at least 15 interceptions each season. In 2017, Oregon picked off 15 passes before intercepting 17 and 20 passes the last two seasons. During that stretch, Oregon has the third-most picks (52) in the nation, trailing only FAU’s and Iowa’s 53 interceptions. Over the last two years, no team has more interceptions than the Ducks’ 37. LSU ranks second with 34, while FAU is third (33) and Iowa is fourth (32).

In Heyward’s three seasons at Oregon, six Ducks defensive backs have been named to the Pac-12’s all-conference team and one has earned freshman All-America honors. Sophomore safety Jevon Holland and junior cornerback Deommodore Lenoir claimed second-team Associated Press All-Pac-12 recognition in 2019, while Thomas Graham Jr. was an honorable mention selection by the league’s coaches. Safety Verone McKinley III earned FWAA Freshman All-America accolades in 2019 as well.

In 2018, senior safety Ugochukwu Amadi and Graham Jr. were named second-team All-Pac-12 by the AP. Amadi, who was named the Lombardi Award winner, became the 21st player coached or recruited by Heyward to be selected in the NFL Draft when the Seattle Seahawks picked him in the fourth round of 2019’s draft.

LOUISVILLE (2016)
Heyward coached defensive backs in his lone season outside the Pac-12 Conference in the last decade, helping the Cardinals to a 9-4 overall record, a 7-1 finish in the ACC and a berth in the Citrus Bowl.

Louisville finished 14th in the nation and third in the ACC in total defense allowing just 322.2 yards per game, while ranking 22nd in the country and third in the ACC in interceptions.

Under Heyward’s tutelage, three of Louisville’s defensive backs earned All-ACC honors. Cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Josh Harvey-Clemons claimed second-team recognition, while safety Chucky Williams received third-team accolades.

Alexander was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award honoring the nation’s top DB before being selected in the first round (No. 18 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Alexander finished the 2016 season 13th in the country in picks with five, tied for second in the ACC. He was also 26th in the country, tied for third in the ACC, in passes defended. Williams tied for seventh in the ACC with three interceptions.

USC (2014-15)
Heyward served as USC’s passing game coordinator while coaching defensive backs during his two years with the Trojans, with both seasons ending in trips to the Holiday Bowl. During the two seasons, USC compiled a 17-10 overall record while going 6-3 in Pac-12 play each season.

In his final season, Heyward helped lead the Trojans to a Pac-12 South Division title and a spot in the Pac-12 Championship game. Cornerback Iman Marshall earned first-team freshman all-America honors, while Adoree’ Jackson was a Hornung Award finalist and a first-team All-Pac-12 Conference performer at defensive back under Heyward’s tutelage. In 2016, Jackson won the Jim Thorpe Award honoring the nation’s top DB.

Eight players that Heyward coached or recruited to USC were eventually picked in the NFL Draft, including Jackson, who was a first-round pick (No. 18 overall) in 2017. Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, a Heyward recruit, went in the second round (No. 62 overall) of the 2017 draft, while Sa’u Cravens was picked in the second round (No. 53 overall) of the 2016 draft.

Cornerbacks Josh Shaw (Cincinnati Bengals – 2015) and Iman Marshall (Baltimore Ravens – 2019) were fourth-round picks, safety Marvell Tell (Indianapolis Colts – 2019) went in the fifth round and corner Kevon Seymour (Buffalo Bills – 2016) and safety Leon McQuay (Kansas City Chiefs – 2017) were sixth-round picks.

WASHINGTON (2012-13)
Before joining the USC staff, Heyward spent two seasons at Washington where he coached defensive backs. Heyward’s secondary finished 23rd in the nation in passing defense in 2012 (197.3 ypg), while ranking 18th in the nation in interceptions with 17.

Washington placed four defensive backs on the All-Pac-12 Conference team during Heyward’s two seasons in Seattle, including a pair of first-round NFL Draft picks. The Atlanta Falcons selected cornerback Desmond Trufant, a second-team All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 pick in 2012, with the 22nd overall pick in 2013. The Kansas City Chiefs picked corner Marcus Peters, a second-team All-Pac-12 selection in Heyward’s final season at UW, with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

In total, three of Heyward’s defensive backs during his time at Washington were drafted. The Green Bay Packers selected cornerback Kevin King in the second round (No. 33 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.

OREGON STATE (2008-11; 2005-2006)
Heyward spent two tours at his alma mater. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2005 and 2006 before returning for a full-time gig as the defensive backs coach for four seasons (2008-11). During his six seasons with the Beavers, OSU finished with a winning record three times, advancing to the Sun Bowl twice and the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas once.

In 2008, Oregon State went 7-2 in Pac-12 Conference action and finished in a second-place tie with Oregon, one game behind league champion USC. The Beavers advanced to the Sun Bowl where they beat Pittsburgh 3-0 to finish with a 9-4 record.

In 2009, OSU again finished in second place in the Pac-12 Conference, this time two games behind Oregon and tied with Stanford with a 6-3 league record. The Beavers advanced to the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas where they lost to BYU and finished with an 8-5 record.

As a graduate assistant in 2006, Oregon State won 10 games and finished third in the Pac-12 advancing to the Sun Bowl. The Beavers finished the season 10-4 after beating Missouri 39-38 in the bowl game.

In Heyward’s last four seasons at OSU, seven Beavers earned All-Pac-10 or Pac-12 Conference honors. Defensive backs Jordan Poyer (2011), Brandon Hughes (2008) and Greg Laybourn (2008) were second-team selections, while DBs Lance Mitchell (2011), James Dockery (2010), safety Al Afalava (2008) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (2008) all earned honorable mention recognition.

Heyward had five players he coached at OSU drafted between 2009 and 20013. Lewis (2009 – Pittsburgh Steelers) and safety Brad Hardin (2012- Chicago Bears) were the highest selections with both picked in the third round. Heyward also recruited wide receiver Brandin Cooks, a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft pick (No. 20 overall), to Oregon State.

CAL POLY (2007)
Heyward started his career as the linebackers coach at Cal Poly. The Mustangs finished the season 7-4, 2-2 in the Great West Conference.

PLAYING CAREER & PERSONAL
A four-year letterman as a cornerback at Oregon State, Heyward claimed honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors as a senior ending his career with 35 consecutive starts. After graduating from OSU, Heyward played professionally for the BC Lions in the CFL (2001), the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe (2002) and the Los Angeles Avengers in the Arena League (2004). He played his prep ball at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Heyward graduated from Oregon State with a degree in communications in 2000. He and his wife, Cameo, have two daughters, Kendyl and Kamryn.

NFL DRAFT PICKS COACHED
2019 (RD 4) S Ugochukwu Amadi – Oregon – Seattle Seahawks
2019 (RD 4) CB Iman Marshall – USC – Baltimore Ravens
2019 (RD 5) S Marvell Tell – USC – Indianapolis Colts
2018 (RD 1) CB Jaire Alexander – Louisville – Green Bay Packers
2017 (RD 1) CB Adoree’ Jackson – USC – Tennessee Titans
2017 (RD 2) CB Kevin King – Washington – Green Bay Packers
2017 (RD 6) S Leon McQuay – USC – Kansas City Chiefs
2017 (RD 7) S Josh Harvey-Clemons – Louisville – Washington Redskins
2016 (RD 2) LB/S Su’a Cravens – USC – Washington Redskins
2016 (RD 6) CB Kevon Seymour – USC – Buffalo Bills
2015 (RD 1) CB Marcus Peters – Washington – Kansas City Chiefs
2015 (RD 4) CB Josh Shaw – USC – Cincinnati Bengals
2015 (RD 7) DB Ryan Murphy – Oregon State – Seattle Seahawks
2013 (RD 1) CB Desmond Trufant – Washington – Atlanta Falcons
2013 (RD 7) CB Jordan Poyer – Oregon State – Philadelphia Eagles
2012 (RD 3) S Brandon Hardin – Oregon State – Chicago Bears
2009 (RD 3) DB Keenan Lewis – Oregon State – Pittsburgh Steelers
2009 (RD 5) CB Brandon Hughes – Oregon State – San Diego Chargers
2009 (RD 6) DB Al Afalava – Oregon State – Chicago Bears

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2019 Pac-12 Conference – Oregon (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)
2019 Pac-12 North – Oregon (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)
2016 Pac-12 South – USC (Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

BOWL GAMES
2020 Rose Bowl – Oregon (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)
2018 Redbox Bowl – Oregon (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)
2017 Las Vegas Bowl – Oregon (Safeties)
2016 Citrus Bowl – Louisville (Defensive Backs)
2015 Holiday Bowl – USC (Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs)
2014 Holiday Bowl – USC (Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs)
2013 Fight Hunger Bowl – Washington (Defensive Backs)
2012 Maaco Las Vegas Bowl – Washington (Defensive Backs)
2009 Maaco Las Vegas Bowl – Oregon State (Defensive Backs)
2008 Sun Bowl – Oregon State (Defensive Backs)
2006 Sun Bowl – Oregon State (Graduate Assistant)
1999 Oahu Bowl – Oregon State (Player)
2001 Fiesta Bowl – Oregon State (Player)

ALL-AMERICANS COACHED
2016 CB Jaire Alexander – Louisville (Pro Football Focus – 2nd)
2014 S Su’a Cravens – USC (AP – 1st)
2012 CB Desmond Trufant – Washington (Scout.com – 2nd)

FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICANS COACHED
2019 DB Verone McKinley III – Oregon (FWAA – 1st)
2014 CB Adoree’ Jackson – USC (FWAA, Scout, Phil Steele, CollegeFootballNews.com, ESPN, 247Sports – 1st)
2005 CB Keenan Lewis – Oregon State (Rivals – 2nd, The Sporting News HM)

CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR COACHED
2014 CB Adoree’ Jackson – USC – Pac-12 (Defensive Freshman of the Year)

ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS COACHED
2019 DB Jevon Holland – Oregon – Pac-12 (AP – 2nd, Coaches—HM)
2019 DB Deommodore Lenoir – Oregon – Pac-12 (AP – 2nd, Coaches—HM)
2019 DB Thomas Graham Jr. – Oregon – Pac-12 (Coaches—HM)
2018 S Ugochukwu Amadi – Oregon – Pac-12 (AP – 2nd, Coaches – HM)
2018 CB Thomas Graham Jr. – Oregon – Pac-12 (AP – 2nd)
2017 S Ugochukwu Amadi – Oregon – Pac-12 (Coaches – HM)
2016 CB Jaire Alexander – Louisville – ACC (Coaches – 2nd, AP – 2nd)
2016 S Josh Harvey-Clemons – Louisville – ACC (Coaches – 2nd)
2016 Chucky Williams – Louisville – ACC (Coaches – 3rd)
2015 CB Adoree’ Jackson – USC – Pac-12 (Coaches – 1st, AP – 1st)
2015 DB Su’a Cravens – USC – Pac-12 (Coaches – 1st)
2014 CB Adoree’ Jackson – USC – Pac-12 (Coaches – HM)
2013 DB Marcus Peters – Washington – Pac-12 (Coaches – 2nd)
2013 DB Sean Parker – Washington – Pac-12 (Coaches – HM)
2012 DB Desmond Trufant – Washington – Pac-12 (Coaches – 1st)
2012 DB Sean Parker – Washington – Pac-12 (Coaches – HM)
2011 DB Jordan Poyer – Oregon State – Pac-12 (Coaches – 2nd)
2011 DB Lance Mitchell – Oregon State – Pac-12 (Coaches – HM)
2010 DB James Dockery – Oregon State – Pac-10 (Coaches – HM)
2008 DB Brandon Hughes – Oregon State – Pac-10 (Coaches – 2nd)
2008 DB Greg Laybourn – Oregon State – Pac-10 (Coaches – 2nd)
2008 SAF Al Afalava – Oregon State – Pac-10 (Coaches – HM)
2008 CB Keenan Lewis – Oregon State – Pac-10 (Coaches – HM)