Pace University Athletics

Roderick "Rod" Plummer is a veteran football coach with over 25 years of success across the NCAA (FBS, FCS, DII) and NFL fellowship levels, specializing in special teams’ coordination and defensive player development. With a proven track record of elevating programs, Rod has consistently delivered nationally ranked special teams’ units—including setting the NCAA return yardage record at Florida A&M—and has developed multiple All-Conference, All-American, and NFL-caliber athletes.

Coach Plummer is joining Pace from Minot State University, where his impact was immediate, coaching two First Team All-NSIC safeties and leading a pass defense that finished third in the conference. His previous leadership roles include Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach at New Mexico Highlands and Special Teams Coordinator at programs such as Alabama State, Holy Cross, Yale, Cornell and Florida A&M. His ability to turn around units and maximize player performance has made him standout wherever he has coached.

Rod’s deep football knowledge is backed by mentorship from legendary coaches like Nick Saban, Joe Taylor, Jim Knowles and Charlie Jackson, as well as participation in the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship, working with five NFL franchises. He is also an accomplished speaker, published contributor to the AFCA, and a trusted consultant on special teams’ strategy nationwide.

Known for elite recruiting results, Rod has brought in high-level talent from across the U.S., including double-digit FBS transfers at Kentucky State and multiple NFL signees throughout his career. His expertise spans coaching offense, defense, and special teams, making him one of the most well-rounded and effective coaches in college football.