Aden Durde: Pioneering British Coach in the NFL
Seattle, 15 January 2026 – Aden Durde, born in Middlesex, England, has become a trailblazer in American football, serving as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Known for his role in developing the International Player Pathway programme, Durde is the first British-born defensive coordinator in NFL history.
Early Life and Playing Career
Durde began his football journey in the United Kingdom with the London Olympians, a British American Football League team. He played as a teenager for the Hayes Braves in Middlesex. His professional playing career included stints with the Scottish Claymores (2003-2004) and Hamburg Sea Devils (2005-2007) in NFL Europe, where he won the NFL Europa World Bowl XV championship in 2007. He also spent time on the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers (2005) and Kansas City Chiefs (2008), before transitioning to coaching.
Coaching Career
Durde started coaching with the London Warriors from 2011 to 2016 as defensive coordinator. He interned with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014-2015 and served as head of football development at NFLUK from 2015 to 2018, helping establish the International Player Pathway programme. He joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 under the Bill Walsh NFL diversity coaching fellowship, becoming the league’s first full-time British coach in 2018. Promoted to outside linebackers coach in 2020, he moved to the Dallas Cowboys as defensive line coach from 2021 to 2023. In February 2024, he was hired by the Seattle Seahawks as defensive coordinator under head coach Mike Macdonald.
Key Facts and Achievements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 10 July 1979 |
| Nationality | British American |
| Current Role | Defensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks |
| Coaching Record (NFL) | 64 wins, 52 losses (55.62% win percentage) |
| Notable Achievements | First full-time British coach in NFL (2018); First British-born defensive coordinator (2024); Helped develop International Player Pathway |
| Personal Life | Married to Kate, with two sons |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aden Durde interviewing for head coaching jobs?
Yes, the Cleveland Browns requested permission to interview Durde for their head coaching vacancy following Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal on 6 January 2026.
What is Aden Durde’s coaching philosophy?
Durde emphasises teamwork, physicality, and versatility in defence. He advocates for schemes that allow players to move freely and focus on ball security, often drawing from his experiences with Dan Quinn and Mike Macdonald.
How has Durde impacted international players?
As head of football development at NFLUK, Durde co-created the International Player Pathway programme with Osi Umenyiora, leading to opportunities for players like Jordan Mailata and Efe Obada to enter the NFL.