History of Todd Grantham in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 29, 2025

Todd Grantham is an American football coach, notably serving as a defensive coordinator. He recently held that role at Oklahoma State and previously at the University of Florida. His career is primarily focused on defensive strategy and coaching within collegiate football programs.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 13, 1966: Todd Grantham Born

On September 13, 1966, Jeffrey Todd Grantham was born. He later became an American football coach.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Attended Virginia Tech

In 1984, Todd Grantham began attending Virginia Tech where he played for Frank Beamer during Beamer's first season as head coach.

1988: Graduated from Virginia Tech

In 1988, Todd Grantham graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management. He also earned Second Team All-South Independent and All-American honors his senior year at tackle.

1990: Began Coaching at Alma Mater

In 1990, Todd Grantham started working as a coach at his alma mater, Virginia Tech.

1995: End of Coaching Stint at Alma Mater

In 1995, Todd Grantham's time as a coach at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, came to an end.

1996: Defensive Line Coach for Michigan State

In 1996, Todd Grantham became the defensive line coach for Michigan State.

1997: Continued as Defensive Line Coach for Michigan State

In 1997, Todd Grantham continued his role as the defensive line coach for Michigan State.

1998: Hired by Jim Mora to Coach Defensive Line for the Colts

In 1998, Todd Grantham was hired by Jim Mora to coach the defensive line for the Indianapolis Colts after being promoted to assistant head coach at Michigan State. His D-Line was one of the catalysts of the biggest turnaround in league history (3–13 to 13–3), ultimately helping the Colts defense compile 56 sacks in two years, which was a club record since moving to Indianapolis.

2002: Defensive Line Influence at the Texans

In 2002, Todd Grantham's influence was evident as starters Gary Walker, Seth Payne, and Jerry Deloach all posted career highs in tackles and Gary Walker earned his second Pro Bowl appearance.

2002: Texans Inception

Todd Grantham was part of the Houston Texans coaching staff in 2002.

2003: Testing Year for the Texans Defensive Line

2003 was a challenging year for the Houston Texans defensive line, as Pro Bowler Gary Walker and Seth Payne played a combined six games due to injury. However, Jerry Deloach and Steve Martin filled in with great success, posting a combined 201 tackles.

2004: Break-Out Year for the Texans Defense

2004 was a break-out year for the Texans. Grantham's line helped the Texans achieve the 13th ranked run defense in the league. They put great pressure on opposing quarterbacks and helped anchor the defense that was equipped with playmakers such as 2004 1st round draft pick Dunta Robinson, former Ravens linebacker Jamie Sharper, and veteran defensive backs Aaron Glenn and Marcus Coleman.

2006: Candidate for Michigan State Head Coach

After Michigan State dismissed head coach John L. Smith in 2006, Todd Grantham was a candidate to be his replacement, however, Michigan State hired Cincinnati head coach Mark Dantonio instead.

2007: Cowboys Defensive Line Coach

In 2007, Todd Grantham served as the defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

2007: Browns Defense Ranking

In 2007, Todd Grantham was the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, whose defense ranked poorly, leading to his firing.

January 11, 2008: Fired by the Browns

On January 11, 2008, Todd Grantham was fired by the Cleveland Browns after the 2007 season due to the defense's poor ranking.

2009: Takeaways

In 2009, Georgia had 12 takeaways, which was fewer than the 26 takeaways in 2010.

2009: Joined Georgia Coaching Staff

In 2009, Todd Grantham joined the coaching staff at the University of Georgia as defensive coordinator after being the defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

2010: "Choke" Sign Incident

In 2010, Todd Grantham gave University of Florida kicker, Chas Henry, the "choke" sign as Henry lined up for the winning kick in the Florida-Georgia game.

2010: Installed 3-4 Defense at Georgia

In 2010, Todd Grantham installed a 3-4 defense during his four-year tenure at Georgia. The Bulldogs ranked 23rd nationally in total defense and 36th in scoring defense. His defense also forced 26 takeaways.

2011: Georgia's Defense Ranking

In 2011, Georgia's defense under Todd Grantham finished ranked 5th nationally in total defense, 10th in pass defense, and 11th in rush defense.

2011: Confrontation with Vanderbilt Coach

In 2011, Todd Grantham had a confrontation with Vanderbilt coach James Franklin after the Vandy game, later acknowledging that his actions embarrassed the university and were "unfortunate".

2012: Georgia's Defense and Season Record

In 2012, Georgia's defense fell to 32nd nationally in total defense. The team finished the season 12-2 and won the Eastern Division of the SEC. Grantham's defense had some of the top talent in the country with playmakers at every position including linebackers Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree, defensive linemen John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers, cornerback Sanders Commings, and All-American free safety Bacarri Rambo.

2013: Start of Lowest Bulldogs Ranking

In the 2013–2014 season, the Georgia defense under Todd Grantham finished No. 45 in the nation.

2014: Hired by Louisville

In 2014, Todd Grantham was hired by Bobby Petrino to be his defensive coordinator at the University of Louisville and given a five-year guaranteed contract worth $1 million per year.

2014: End of Lowest Bulldogs Ranking

In the 2013–2014 season, the Georgia defense under Todd Grantham finished No. 45 in the nation. It was the lowest the Bulldogs finished during Grantham's four-year tenure.

November 30, 2017: Hired as Florida Defensive Coordinator

On November 30, 2017, Dan Mullen officially hired Todd Grantham to be his defensive coordinator at Florida.

2017: Hired by Mississippi State

In 2017, Todd Grantham was hired by Dan Mullen to be the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State University.

February 2019: Rejected Cincinnati Bengals Offer

In February 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals approached Todd Grantham to be their next defensive coordinator, but Grantham rejected the offer to stay at Florida, subsequently receiving a contract extension and pay raise.