Wake Forest Athletics
Football
Rob Ezell
- Title:
- Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends
Rob Ezell was named Wake Forest’s Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach prior to the 2025 season and helped lead the Demon Deacons to a breakout campaign that culminated in a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory.
Highlighted by one of the program’s most productive offensive seasons in recent years, the Demon Deacons scored 30 or more points six times and averaged over 28 points per game, both marks representing the program’s highest outputs since the 2022 season. Wake Forest also generated 27 plays of 30 yards or more, its most explosive-play total since 2022, while showcasing offensive balance and depth across multiple position groups.
Ezell previously served as South Alabama’s Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, a role he was elevated to in February 2024 after spending three seasons with the Jaguars as the tight ends coach.
South Alabama was among the top offensive teams in the Sun Belt Conference in 2024, averaging 34.4 points and 441.8 yards per game. Ezell’s offense put up nearly 6,000 yards over the course of the season, culminating in a 537-yard performance in the Jaguars bowl victory over Western Michigan. Six different offensive players for South Alabama were named All-SBC for their performances during the 2024 season. Ezell helped guide the program to its most successful season at the FBS level, going 10-3 during the 2023 season. He helped coach Lincoln Sefcik to Third Team All-Sun Belt honors in his first year with the program as Sefcik posted 32 receptions for 218 yards and five touchdowns, the highest total recorded by a tight end since the 2015 season.
Ezell spent five years on the staff at Alabama, where after beginning as a graduate assistant in 2016 — aiding current Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal with the offensive line and tight ends — he moved to an offensive analyst role his last four seasons with the program. During that time, the Crimson Tide posted a 65-5 overall mark and a 39-3 record in Southeastern Conference play while winning the College Football Playoff championship in 2017 and ’20 and reaching the title game on two other occasions.
As a graduate assistant at Colorado State from 2012-14, Ezell worked with wide receivers and quarterbacks and helped the Rams go 18-9 overall with an 11-5 record in Mountain West Conference action his final two years with the program. CSU capped an 8-6 campaign in 2013 with a 48-45 victory over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, while the following season the Rams posted a 10-3 mark after participating in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.
Ezell is a 2011 Alabama graduate, earning a business degree while a walk-on with the Crimson Tide program; when the team won the national championship in 2009 and again the following fall. He began his coaching career as a student assistant there before going on to receive his master’s degree in adult education from Colorado State in 2014.
A four-year starter as a quarterback at Athens High, Ezell was twice named first-team all-state by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and was selected by the organization as the 5A Back of the Year as a senior after helping lead the Golden Eagles to the state title that season and was named the MVP of the state championship game.
Wake Forest (2025-Present)
Wake Forest enjoyed a nine-win campaign capped by a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory, under Ezell’s direction offensively. Highlighted by one of the program’s most productive offensive seasons in recent years, the Demon Deacons scored 30 or more points six times and averaged over 28 points per game, both marks representing the program’s highest outputs since the 2022 season. Wake Forest also generated 27 plays of 30 yards or more, its most explosive-play total since 2022, while showcasing offensive balance and depth across multiple position groups.
Ezell’s offensive leadership was reflected in multiple postseason honors, as running back Demond Claiborne earned Second Team All-ACC recognition. Fa’alili Fa’amoe, George Sell, Devin Kylany and Chris Barnes were each named Honorable Mention All-ACC, underscoring the depth and development of the Demon Deacons’ offense during the 2025 season.
The passing game featured a wide distribution of playmakers, as 11 different receivers caught at least one touchdown — the most for the program since at least 1975. Tight ends played an increased role in the offense, accounting for 33 receptions on the season, providing added versatility and matchup challenges. Up front, the offensive line made one of the nation’s biggest year-over-year improvements, allowing just 17 sacks after surrendering 42 the previous season, a jump from 125th nationally to a top-20 ranking in the FBS.
Quarterback Robby Ashford delivered the best stretch of play of his career late in the season, throwing for 14 touchdowns over the final four games — the most in any four-game span of his career. His performance peaked in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, where he accounted for a career-high five touchdowns against Mississippi State. In the backfield, running back Demond Claiborne continued to etch his name into the Wake Forest record book, moving to fourth all-time in career rushing yards. Claiborne also became the program’s all-time leader among Wake Forest running backs in career rushing touchdowns during the College Football Era and surpassed AT Perry for the most overall touchdowns in the CFP Era during the 2025 season.
South Alabama (2020-24)
South Alabama was among the top offensive teams in the Sun Belt Conference in 2024, averaging 34.4 points and 441.8 yards per game. Ezell’s offense put up nearly 6,000 yards over the course of the season, culminating in a 537-yard performance in the Jaguars bowl victory over Western Michigan. Six different offensive players for South Alabama were named All-SBC for their performances during the 2024 season. Ezell helped guide the program to its most successful season at the FBS level, going 10-3 during the 2023 season. He helped coach Lincoln Sefcik to Third Team All-Sun Belt honors in his first year with the program as Sefcik posted 32 receptions for 218 yards and five touchdowns, the highest total recorded by a tight end since the 2015 season.
Alabama (2015-20)
Ezell spent five years on the staff at Alabama, where after beginning as a graduate assistant in 2016 — aiding current Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal with the offensive line and tight ends — he moved to an offensive analyst role his last four seasons with the program. During that time, the Crimson Tide posted a 65-5 overall mark and a 39-3 record in Southeastern Conference play while winning the College Football Playoff championship in 2017 and ’20 and reaching the title game on two other occasions.
Colorado State (2012-14)
Ezell worked with wide receivers and quarterbacks and helped the Rams go 18-9 overall with an 11-5 record in Mountain West Conference action his final two years with the program. CSU capped an 8-6 campaign in 2013 with a 48-45 victory over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, while the following season the Rams posted a 10-3 mark after participating in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.
As a player:
Ezell is a 2011 Alabama graduate, earning a business degree while a walk-on with the Crimson Tide program; when the team won the national championship in 2009 and again the following fall.
Family:
Ezell and his wife, Lulu, have one son, Sam.
Postseason History
Coaching History
Personal Information
Highlighted by one of the program’s most productive offensive seasons in recent years, the Demon Deacons scored 30 or more points six times and averaged over 28 points per game, both marks representing the program’s highest outputs since the 2022 season. Wake Forest also generated 27 plays of 30 yards or more, its most explosive-play total since 2022, while showcasing offensive balance and depth across multiple position groups.
Ezell previously served as South Alabama’s Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, a role he was elevated to in February 2024 after spending three seasons with the Jaguars as the tight ends coach.
South Alabama was among the top offensive teams in the Sun Belt Conference in 2024, averaging 34.4 points and 441.8 yards per game. Ezell’s offense put up nearly 6,000 yards over the course of the season, culminating in a 537-yard performance in the Jaguars bowl victory over Western Michigan. Six different offensive players for South Alabama were named All-SBC for their performances during the 2024 season. Ezell helped guide the program to its most successful season at the FBS level, going 10-3 during the 2023 season. He helped coach Lincoln Sefcik to Third Team All-Sun Belt honors in his first year with the program as Sefcik posted 32 receptions for 218 yards and five touchdowns, the highest total recorded by a tight end since the 2015 season.
Ezell spent five years on the staff at Alabama, where after beginning as a graduate assistant in 2016 — aiding current Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal with the offensive line and tight ends — he moved to an offensive analyst role his last four seasons with the program. During that time, the Crimson Tide posted a 65-5 overall mark and a 39-3 record in Southeastern Conference play while winning the College Football Playoff championship in 2017 and ’20 and reaching the title game on two other occasions.
As a graduate assistant at Colorado State from 2012-14, Ezell worked with wide receivers and quarterbacks and helped the Rams go 18-9 overall with an 11-5 record in Mountain West Conference action his final two years with the program. CSU capped an 8-6 campaign in 2013 with a 48-45 victory over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, while the following season the Rams posted a 10-3 mark after participating in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.
Ezell is a 2011 Alabama graduate, earning a business degree while a walk-on with the Crimson Tide program; when the team won the national championship in 2009 and again the following fall. He began his coaching career as a student assistant there before going on to receive his master’s degree in adult education from Colorado State in 2014.
A four-year starter as a quarterback at Athens High, Ezell was twice named first-team all-state by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and was selected by the organization as the 5A Back of the Year as a senior after helping lead the Golden Eagles to the state title that season and was named the MVP of the state championship game.
Wake Forest (2025-Present)
Wake Forest enjoyed a nine-win campaign capped by a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory, under Ezell’s direction offensively. Highlighted by one of the program’s most productive offensive seasons in recent years, the Demon Deacons scored 30 or more points six times and averaged over 28 points per game, both marks representing the program’s highest outputs since the 2022 season. Wake Forest also generated 27 plays of 30 yards or more, its most explosive-play total since 2022, while showcasing offensive balance and depth across multiple position groups.
Ezell’s offensive leadership was reflected in multiple postseason honors, as running back Demond Claiborne earned Second Team All-ACC recognition. Fa’alili Fa’amoe, George Sell, Devin Kylany and Chris Barnes were each named Honorable Mention All-ACC, underscoring the depth and development of the Demon Deacons’ offense during the 2025 season.
The passing game featured a wide distribution of playmakers, as 11 different receivers caught at least one touchdown — the most for the program since at least 1975. Tight ends played an increased role in the offense, accounting for 33 receptions on the season, providing added versatility and matchup challenges. Up front, the offensive line made one of the nation’s biggest year-over-year improvements, allowing just 17 sacks after surrendering 42 the previous season, a jump from 125th nationally to a top-20 ranking in the FBS.
Quarterback Robby Ashford delivered the best stretch of play of his career late in the season, throwing for 14 touchdowns over the final four games — the most in any four-game span of his career. His performance peaked in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, where he accounted for a career-high five touchdowns against Mississippi State. In the backfield, running back Demond Claiborne continued to etch his name into the Wake Forest record book, moving to fourth all-time in career rushing yards. Claiborne also became the program’s all-time leader among Wake Forest running backs in career rushing touchdowns during the College Football Era and surpassed AT Perry for the most overall touchdowns in the CFP Era during the 2025 season.
South Alabama (2020-24)
South Alabama was among the top offensive teams in the Sun Belt Conference in 2024, averaging 34.4 points and 441.8 yards per game. Ezell’s offense put up nearly 6,000 yards over the course of the season, culminating in a 537-yard performance in the Jaguars bowl victory over Western Michigan. Six different offensive players for South Alabama were named All-SBC for their performances during the 2024 season. Ezell helped guide the program to its most successful season at the FBS level, going 10-3 during the 2023 season. He helped coach Lincoln Sefcik to Third Team All-Sun Belt honors in his first year with the program as Sefcik posted 32 receptions for 218 yards and five touchdowns, the highest total recorded by a tight end since the 2015 season.
Alabama (2015-20)
Ezell spent five years on the staff at Alabama, where after beginning as a graduate assistant in 2016 — aiding current Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal with the offensive line and tight ends — he moved to an offensive analyst role his last four seasons with the program. During that time, the Crimson Tide posted a 65-5 overall mark and a 39-3 record in Southeastern Conference play while winning the College Football Playoff championship in 2017 and ’20 and reaching the title game on two other occasions.
Colorado State (2012-14)
Ezell worked with wide receivers and quarterbacks and helped the Rams go 18-9 overall with an 11-5 record in Mountain West Conference action his final two years with the program. CSU capped an 8-6 campaign in 2013 with a 48-45 victory over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, while the following season the Rams posted a 10-3 mark after participating in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.
As a player:
Ezell is a 2011 Alabama graduate, earning a business degree while a walk-on with the Crimson Tide program; when the team won the national championship in 2009 and again the following fall.
Family:
Ezell and his wife, Lulu, have one son, Sam.
Postseason History
| Season | Bowl Game | Opponent | Result |
| 2025 | Duke’s Mayo Bowl | Mississippi State | W, 43-29 |
| 2024 | Salute to Veterans Bowl (South Alabama) | Western Michigan | W, 30-23 |
| 2023 | 68 Ventures Bowl (South Alabama) | Eastern Michigan | W, 59-10 |
| 2022 | New Orleans Bowl (South Alabama) | Western Michigan | L, 23-44 |
| 2020 | CFP National Championship (Alabama) | Ohio State | W, 52-24 |
| 2020 | CFP Semifinal (Alabama) | Notre Dame | W, 31-14 |
| 2019 | Citrus Bowl (Alabama) | Michigan | W, 35-16 |
| 2018 | CFP National Championship (Alabama) | Clemson | L, 16-44 |
| 2018 | CFP Semifinal (Alabama) | Oklahoma | W, 45-34 |
| 2017 | CFP National Championship (Alabama) | Georgia | W, 26-23 |
| 2017 | CFP Semifinal (Alabama) | Clemson | W, 24-6 |
| 2016 | CFP National Championship (Alabama) | Clemson | L, 31-35 |
| 2016 | CFP Semifinal (Alabama) | Washington | W, 24-7 |
| 2015 | CFP National Championship (Alabama) | Clemson | W, 45-40 |
| 2015 | CFP Semifinal (Alabama) | Michigan State | W, 38-0 |
| 2013 | New Mexico Bowl | Washington State | W, 48-45 |
| 2011 | BCS National Championship | LSU | W, 21-0 |
Coaching History
| Seasons | School/Team | Title/Position Coached |
| 2025 | Wake Forest | Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends |
| 2024 | South Alabama | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks |
| 2021-23 | South Alabama | Tight Ends |
| 2017-20 | Alabama | Offensive Analyst |
| 2015-16 | Alabama | Offensive Graduate Assistant |
| 2012-14 | Colorado State | Offensive Graduate Assistant |
| 2011 | Alabama | Student Assistant |
Personal Information
- Hometown: Athens, Ala.
- Education: 2011 - Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama
2014 - Master’s degree from Colorado State University - Wife: Lulu
- Children: Sam
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser at Pitt
Wednesday, January 28
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser at Duke
Saturday, January 24
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser vs. SMU
Wednesday, January 21
Men's Basketball All-Access at Florida State
Monday, January 19
