James Bettcher is in his second season with the Bengals in 2023, after joining the staff in '22 as linebackers coach.
In 2022, Bettcher worked with one of the NFL's top young LB duos in Logan Wilson (third year) and Germaine Pratt (fourth year). They each logged career highs in tackles, with Wilson's team-leading 123 stops being the most by a Bengal since 2013 (Vontaze Burfict, 171), and Pratt's 99 ranking second on the team. The pair was key in Cincinnati allowing just 20.1 points per game (sixth in NFL) and 106.6 rushing yards (seventh).
Bettcher joined the Bengals after spending 2021 as senior defensive assistant/running game specialist with the San Francisco 49ers. He helped guide a 49ers defense that ranked third in the league in total yards allowed (310.0 per game) and seventh in rushing yards allowed (103.5).
Prior to his stint in San Francisco, Bettcher spent two seasons as defensive coordinator with the N.Y. Giants (2018-19). In 2019, the Giants ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per attempt (3.86). In 2018, he coached alongside current Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who served as DBs coach for the Giants. That year, two of Bettcher's defenders — LB Olivier Vernon and S Landon Collins — earned Pro Bowl nods.
Bettcher spent five seasons in Arizona (2013-17), including the final three as defensive coordinator. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, the Cardinals ranked in the top six in the NFL in total defense each year, while ranking fourth in total takeaways (82) and defensive TDs (11). Bettcher also guided six players to Pro Bowl selections and four to All-Pro honors. In 2017, Arizona ranked third in rushing yards allowed per play and sixth in third-down defense. The Cardinals posted a league-leading 48 sacks in 2016, led by DE Markus Golden (12.5) and OLB Chandler Jones (11). Bettcher joined the Cardinals as outside linebackers coach in 2013, helping Arizona lead the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (84.4). In 2014, the team's 18.7 points allowed per game was the fifth-best average in the NFL.
Bettcher first entered the NFL in 2012 as special assistant to the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts. During that season, Bruce Arians stepped in as interim head coach for 12 games while Chuck Pagano received treatment for leukemia. With Bettcher's assistance, Arians led the team to a 9-3 record and a playoff berth, earning AP NFL Coach of the Year honors.
Before joining the Colts, Bettcher spent nine years in the college coaching ranks. In 2011, he served as linebackers/special teams coach at the University of New Hampshire, where he coached the NCAA FCS leading tackler, LB Matt Evans. He spent the 2010 season coaching defensive ends and special teams at Ball State University.
Bettcher was a graduate assistant at the University of North Carolina from 2007-09, working primarily with the defense. He helped develop DL Robert Quinn, who went on to become a 2011 first-round NFL draft pick. Prior to UNC, Bettcher spent one season (2006) as a defensive graduate assistant at Bowling Green State University, working with the secondary and special teams units.
Bettcher began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of St. Francis (Ind.), where he served as special teams coordinator and defensive line coach from 2003-05. With Bettcher on staff, the Cougars earned three berths to the NAIA playoffs, including two national championship game appearances.
Bettcher was a two-time NAIA Coaches All-American as an offensive lineman during his playing career at St. Francis (1999-2002). In his senior season in 2002, he received the team's Silver Helmet Award for leadership, coachability and performance on the field. He also competed on the school's track and field team, earning five All-America honors. He was inducted into the St. Francis Hall of Fame in 2012.
Bettcher was born in Lakeville, Ind. He and his wife, Erica, have three sons — Colton, Brooks and Cruz — and one daughter, Addison.
Playing and coaching history: 1999-2002—Played OL at St. Francis (Ind.). 2003-05—Assistant coach (AC), St. Francis (Ind.). 2006—Graduate assistant, Bowling Green. 2007-09—Graduate assistant, North Carolina. 2010—AC, Ball State. 2011—AC, New Hampshire. 2012—Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Indianapolis Colts. 2013-14—AC, Arizona Cardinals. 2015-17—Defensive coordinator, Arizona Cardinals. 2018-19—Defensive coordinator, N.Y. Giants. 2021—AC, San Francisco 49ers. 2022-present—AC, Cincinnati Bengals.
