Personnel and Philosophy

Jo Nixon is a proponent of the 3-4 attacking defense, and in this coaching video the Langston University defensive coordinator explains its concepts and strategy from the ground up. He goes position by position through the responsibilities of the defensive line, the inside and outside linebackers and the secondary, describes the attributes each spot needs to make the 3-4 work and explains why the Rover has to be the best athlete on the field. He also shows how the 3-4 runs effectively with a Cover 2 shell.

What you'll learn

• Personnel and alignment for the 3-4 attacking defense.
• Responsibilities of the D-line positions, the inside and outside linebackers and the defensive secondary.
• What kind of player each position requires to maximize the 3-4.
• How to use 3-4 concepts regardless of your base defense.
• Why the Rover position must be your best athlete on the field.
• Running the 3-4 attacking defense with a Cover 2 shell.

Who it's for

High school and college defensive coordinators considering the 3-4, and coaches in other fronts who want to borrow its attacking concepts without changing their base defense.

About the coach

Jo Nixon coordinated the defense at Langston University in Oklahoma, where his 3-4 attacking defense finished sixth in the nation among NAIA colleges by allowing only 14 touchdowns in a season.

Part 1 of Coach Nixon's three-part series on the 3-4 attacking defense, with extensive use of game film. Runtime: about 29 minutes.