Staff Directory
Freddie Banks
- Title:
- Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties
After helping guide Wake Forest to a resurgent 2025 season, Freddie Banks was promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties ahead of the 2026 season.
The Wake Forest defense made significant strides throughout the season, producing four interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries while showing marked improvement across every major statistical category. The Demon Deacons allowed nearly 10.5 fewer points per game compared to the previous season, surrendered more than 100 fewer yards of total offense per contest than in 2024 and nearly cut the number of passing touchdowns allowed in half.Â
Banks came to Winston-Salem with a vast amount of experience including being a defensive coordinator for seven years in his coaching career.
Prior to Wake Forest, Banks served as the defensive coordinator for Colorado State with the Rams improving their record each season including an 8-4 record in 2024 and an appearance in the Arizona Bowl. In 2024, Colorado State ranked 23rd nationally and led the Mountain West with nine fumble recoveries while the 19 turnovers gained ranked fourth in the conference.
Overall in his three seasons, Colorado State ranked fourth in the conference in turnovers forced per game, totaling 53 in just 36 games played.
Banks arrived in Fort Collins fresh off leading the No. 6 scoring defense in the FCS to the national championship game while in the same role at Montana State. It was the Bobcats' first appearance in the FCS national championship game since 1984.
Under his tutelage, the Bobcat defense allowed just 10 or fewer points in seven of 15 games in 2021. The unit allowed just 15.0 points per game and 310.1 yards of total offense, the 14th-best mark in the FCS. The Bobcats collected 42 sacks (12th) and generated 24 turnovers (17th), including 18 interceptions (4th) on the season.
Montana State linebacker Troy Andersen was named a first team All-American as well as the FCS Defensive Player of the Year by Phil Steele, and defensive lineman Daniel Hardy earned first team All-American honors by the same outlet. Andersen was also named the Big Sky Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year while six other Bobcats picked up All-Big Sky honors..
His coaching career started a year later at Minnesota State-Moorhead. In just two seasons, he became the defensive coordinator there before moving to Nicholls to coach cornerbacks from 2013-14. He then spent one season as a high school coach in Louisiana before returning to the college ranks at Midwestern State, where he coached the secondary from 2016-18, then spent the 2019 seasons as the cornerbacks coach at Stephen F. Austin. Banks then made his debut at the FBS level, coaching cornerbacks at Nevada during the 2020 season, leading the Wolfpack to a 7-2 record and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl championship.
Banks played at Mercyhurst in 2007 before transferring to North Dakota State, where he finished out his career in 2010.
Wake Forest (2025-Present)
In Banks' first season, the Wake Forest defense made significant strides throughout the season, producing four interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries while showing marked improvement across every major statistical category. The Demon Deacons allowed nearly 10.5 fewer points per game compared to the previous season, surrendered more than 100 fewer yards of total offense per contest than in 2024 and nearly cut the number of passing touchdowns allowed in half. Wake Forest also reduced red-zone touchdowns by nearly 20 percent, reflecting a defense that consistently tightened in critical situations.
Wake Forest ranked among the ACC’s elite defensive units, finishing in the conference’s top five in both total defense and pass defense. The Demon Deacons allowed the fewest yards per play in the ACC, permitted the fourth-fewest touchdowns overall and held opponents to more than 100 fewer yards of total offense than the year prior. That consistency was highlighted by holding seven of 13 opponents to 14 points or fewer, the most such performances by a Wake Forest defense since the historic 2006 ACC Championship season.
The Deacons’ defensive dominance was evident against top competition, limiting two ranked opponents — No. 19 Virginia and No. 25 SMU — to 14 points or fewer. Wake Forest did not allow a touchdown in consecutive ACC games, holding both Virginia and North Carolina without a touchdown in back-to-back conference matchups.
Individual accolades followed the unit’s success, led by redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen earning First Team All-ACC honors. Defensive back Karon Prunty was named to the Third Team All-ACC, while defensive back Davaughn Patterson received Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition.
Colorado State (2022-2024)
Banks served as the defensive coordinator for Colorado State with the Rams improving their record each season including an 8-4 record in 2024 and an appearance in the Arizona Bowl. In 2024, Colorado State ranked 23rd nationally and led the Mountain West with nine fumble recoveries while the 19 turnovers gained ranked fourth in the conference.
Overall in his three seasons, Colorado State ranked fourth in the conference in turnovers forced per game, totaling 53 in just 36 games played.
Colorado State’s defense showed improvement in Banks’ first season, trimming nearly 80 yards of total offense allowed from the first half to the second half and scoring by more than 11 points. The unit posted a shutout for the first time since 2016 when the Rams blanked New Mexico on the final weekend, and generated at least one turnover a game after the opener, including a streak of six consecutive games with an interception. In a win over Nevada, the defense produced the Rams’ only two touchdowns of the game on an interception return by Ayden Hector and a fumble return by Mukendi Wa-Kalonji. Overall Colorado State allowed just 19.9 points per game in Mountain West play in 2022.Â
Sophomore safety Jack Howell was named first-team All-Mountain West after leading the team with 108 tackles and tying for the team lead with three interceptions. Defensive end Mohamed Kamara earned second-team All-MW honors ,with CJ Onyechi, Dequan Jackson and Chigozie Anusiem named honorable mention. Defensive tackle Grady Kelly was named a PFF Freshman All-American.Â
Montana State (2021)
In his only season at Montana State, Banks led the No. 6 scoring defense in the FCS and helped the Bobcats reach the national championship game. It was the Bobcats' first appearance in the FCS national championship game since 1984.
Under his tutelage, the Bobcat defense allowed just 10 or fewer points in seven of 15 games in 2021. The unit allowed just 15.0 points per game and 310.1 yards of total offense, the 14th-best mark in the FCS. The Bobcats collected 42 sacks (12th) and generated 24 turnovers (17th), including 18 interceptions (4th) on the season. The defense was also stingy in the red zone, posting the No. 18 ranked red zone defense in the country.
Banks also help train linebacker Troy Andersen into the FCS ADA National Defensive Player of the Year, Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and an FCS First Team All-American as he finished the season with 147 tackles including 14.0 tackles for loss. His single-season tackle total ranked fifth in program history and he went on to be drafted in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons. Defensive lineman Daniel Hardy also earned first team All-American honors.
Nevada (2020)
During his lone season with the Wolfpack as the cornerbacks coach, Nevada finished 7-2 and earned an invite to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.Â
Stephen F. Austin (2019)
In his lone season at Stephen F. Austin, the Lumberjacks were fifth in the Southland Conference in pass defense and second in pass efficiency defense. Additionally the Lumberjacks had a pair of defensive touchdowns which ranked 26th in FCS.
Midwestern State (2016-18)
Posted an impressive 26-6 record across three seasons and made back-to-back NCAA Division II Playoff appearances in 2016 and 2017, including a 10-1 record in 2017. In his final two seasons, Midwestern State finished in the top 25 in turnover margin while also running in the top 25 nationally in defensive touchdowns and red zone defense.
Livonia HS (LA) (2015)
Banks spent a year as defensive coordinator at Livonia (La.) High School, helping the Wildcats to an 8-4 record while holding the opposition to 19.8 points per game.
Nicholls (2013-14)
Mentored defensive backs as the passing game coordinator at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La. The Colonels rated second in the Southland Conference in pass defense in 2013.
Minnesota State-Moorhead (2011-12)
Acted as defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator in 2012 and cornerbacks coach in 2011. Additionally helped out with the special teams while assisting the strength and conditioning program. He also served as assistant director of development working mainly with alumni relations during his time at Moorhead.
As a player:
Banks began his collegiate career playing at NCAA Division II Mercyhurst in 2006 before transferring to North Dakota State in 2007 and redshirting. He played in 11 games in 2009 and all 14 in 2010. As a senior, he intercepted one pass and broke up seven passes.
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Family
He and his wife Candace have two children with a daughter, Dakota, and son, Aceson.
Postseason History
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Coaching History
NFL Players (Round Drafted)
The Wake Forest defense made significant strides throughout the season, producing four interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries while showing marked improvement across every major statistical category. The Demon Deacons allowed nearly 10.5 fewer points per game compared to the previous season, surrendered more than 100 fewer yards of total offense per contest than in 2024 and nearly cut the number of passing touchdowns allowed in half.Â
Banks came to Winston-Salem with a vast amount of experience including being a defensive coordinator for seven years in his coaching career.
Prior to Wake Forest, Banks served as the defensive coordinator for Colorado State with the Rams improving their record each season including an 8-4 record in 2024 and an appearance in the Arizona Bowl. In 2024, Colorado State ranked 23rd nationally and led the Mountain West with nine fumble recoveries while the 19 turnovers gained ranked fourth in the conference.
Overall in his three seasons, Colorado State ranked fourth in the conference in turnovers forced per game, totaling 53 in just 36 games played.
Banks arrived in Fort Collins fresh off leading the No. 6 scoring defense in the FCS to the national championship game while in the same role at Montana State. It was the Bobcats' first appearance in the FCS national championship game since 1984.
Under his tutelage, the Bobcat defense allowed just 10 or fewer points in seven of 15 games in 2021. The unit allowed just 15.0 points per game and 310.1 yards of total offense, the 14th-best mark in the FCS. The Bobcats collected 42 sacks (12th) and generated 24 turnovers (17th), including 18 interceptions (4th) on the season.
Montana State linebacker Troy Andersen was named a first team All-American as well as the FCS Defensive Player of the Year by Phil Steele, and defensive lineman Daniel Hardy earned first team All-American honors by the same outlet. Andersen was also named the Big Sky Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year while six other Bobcats picked up All-Big Sky honors..
His coaching career started a year later at Minnesota State-Moorhead. In just two seasons, he became the defensive coordinator there before moving to Nicholls to coach cornerbacks from 2013-14. He then spent one season as a high school coach in Louisiana before returning to the college ranks at Midwestern State, where he coached the secondary from 2016-18, then spent the 2019 seasons as the cornerbacks coach at Stephen F. Austin. Banks then made his debut at the FBS level, coaching cornerbacks at Nevada during the 2020 season, leading the Wolfpack to a 7-2 record and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl championship.
Banks played at Mercyhurst in 2007 before transferring to North Dakota State, where he finished out his career in 2010.
Wake Forest (2025-Present)
In Banks' first season, the Wake Forest defense made significant strides throughout the season, producing four interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries while showing marked improvement across every major statistical category. The Demon Deacons allowed nearly 10.5 fewer points per game compared to the previous season, surrendered more than 100 fewer yards of total offense per contest than in 2024 and nearly cut the number of passing touchdowns allowed in half. Wake Forest also reduced red-zone touchdowns by nearly 20 percent, reflecting a defense that consistently tightened in critical situations.
Wake Forest ranked among the ACC’s elite defensive units, finishing in the conference’s top five in both total defense and pass defense. The Demon Deacons allowed the fewest yards per play in the ACC, permitted the fourth-fewest touchdowns overall and held opponents to more than 100 fewer yards of total offense than the year prior. That consistency was highlighted by holding seven of 13 opponents to 14 points or fewer, the most such performances by a Wake Forest defense since the historic 2006 ACC Championship season.
The Deacons’ defensive dominance was evident against top competition, limiting two ranked opponents — No. 19 Virginia and No. 25 SMU — to 14 points or fewer. Wake Forest did not allow a touchdown in consecutive ACC games, holding both Virginia and North Carolina without a touchdown in back-to-back conference matchups.
Individual accolades followed the unit’s success, led by redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen earning First Team All-ACC honors. Defensive back Karon Prunty was named to the Third Team All-ACC, while defensive back Davaughn Patterson received Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition.
Colorado State (2022-2024)
Banks served as the defensive coordinator for Colorado State with the Rams improving their record each season including an 8-4 record in 2024 and an appearance in the Arizona Bowl. In 2024, Colorado State ranked 23rd nationally and led the Mountain West with nine fumble recoveries while the 19 turnovers gained ranked fourth in the conference.
Overall in his three seasons, Colorado State ranked fourth in the conference in turnovers forced per game, totaling 53 in just 36 games played.
Colorado State’s defense showed improvement in Banks’ first season, trimming nearly 80 yards of total offense allowed from the first half to the second half and scoring by more than 11 points. The unit posted a shutout for the first time since 2016 when the Rams blanked New Mexico on the final weekend, and generated at least one turnover a game after the opener, including a streak of six consecutive games with an interception. In a win over Nevada, the defense produced the Rams’ only two touchdowns of the game on an interception return by Ayden Hector and a fumble return by Mukendi Wa-Kalonji. Overall Colorado State allowed just 19.9 points per game in Mountain West play in 2022.Â
Sophomore safety Jack Howell was named first-team All-Mountain West after leading the team with 108 tackles and tying for the team lead with three interceptions. Defensive end Mohamed Kamara earned second-team All-MW honors ,with CJ Onyechi, Dequan Jackson and Chigozie Anusiem named honorable mention. Defensive tackle Grady Kelly was named a PFF Freshman All-American.Â
Montana State (2021)
In his only season at Montana State, Banks led the No. 6 scoring defense in the FCS and helped the Bobcats reach the national championship game. It was the Bobcats' first appearance in the FCS national championship game since 1984.
Under his tutelage, the Bobcat defense allowed just 10 or fewer points in seven of 15 games in 2021. The unit allowed just 15.0 points per game and 310.1 yards of total offense, the 14th-best mark in the FCS. The Bobcats collected 42 sacks (12th) and generated 24 turnovers (17th), including 18 interceptions (4th) on the season. The defense was also stingy in the red zone, posting the No. 18 ranked red zone defense in the country.
Banks also help train linebacker Troy Andersen into the FCS ADA National Defensive Player of the Year, Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and an FCS First Team All-American as he finished the season with 147 tackles including 14.0 tackles for loss. His single-season tackle total ranked fifth in program history and he went on to be drafted in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons. Defensive lineman Daniel Hardy also earned first team All-American honors.
Nevada (2020)
During his lone season with the Wolfpack as the cornerbacks coach, Nevada finished 7-2 and earned an invite to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.Â
Stephen F. Austin (2019)
In his lone season at Stephen F. Austin, the Lumberjacks were fifth in the Southland Conference in pass defense and second in pass efficiency defense. Additionally the Lumberjacks had a pair of defensive touchdowns which ranked 26th in FCS.
Midwestern State (2016-18)
Posted an impressive 26-6 record across three seasons and made back-to-back NCAA Division II Playoff appearances in 2016 and 2017, including a 10-1 record in 2017. In his final two seasons, Midwestern State finished in the top 25 in turnover margin while also running in the top 25 nationally in defensive touchdowns and red zone defense.
Livonia HS (LA) (2015)
Banks spent a year as defensive coordinator at Livonia (La.) High School, helping the Wildcats to an 8-4 record while holding the opposition to 19.8 points per game.
Nicholls (2013-14)
Mentored defensive backs as the passing game coordinator at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La. The Colonels rated second in the Southland Conference in pass defense in 2013.
Minnesota State-Moorhead (2011-12)
Acted as defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator in 2012 and cornerbacks coach in 2011. Additionally helped out with the special teams while assisting the strength and conditioning program. He also served as assistant director of development working mainly with alumni relations during his time at Moorhead.
As a player:
Banks began his collegiate career playing at NCAA Division II Mercyhurst in 2006 before transferring to North Dakota State in 2007 and redshirting. He played in 11 games in 2009 and all 14 in 2010. As a senior, he intercepted one pass and broke up seven passes.
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Family
He and his wife Candace have two children with a daughter, Dakota, and son, Aceson.
Postseason History
| Season | Bowl Game | Opponent | Result |
| 2025 | Duke’s Mayo Bowl | Mississippi State | W, 43-29 |
| 2021 | FCS National Championship (Montana State) | North Dakota State | L, 10-38 |
| 2021 | FCS Semifinal (Montana State) | South Dakota State | W, 31-17 |
| 2021 | FCS Quarterfinal (Montana State) | Sam Houston State | W, 42-19 |
| 2021 | FCS Second Round (Montana State) | UT Martin | W, 26-7 |
| 2020 | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Nevada) | Tulane | W, 38-27 |
| 2017 | NCAA DII Playoffs First Round (Midwestern State)Â | Sioux Falls | W, 24-20 |
| 2017 | NCAA DII Playoffs Second Round (Midwestern State) | Minnesota State | L, 63-21 |
| 2016 | NCAA DII Playoffs First Round (Midwestern State) | Ferris State | L, 65-34 |
Coaching History
| Seasons | School/Team | Title/Position Coached |
| 2022-24 | Colorado State | Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs |
| 2021 | Montana State | Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs |
| 2020 | Nevada | Cornerbacks |
| 2019 | Stephen F. Austin | Cornerbacks |
| 2016-18 | Midwestern State | Secondary |
| 2015 | Livonia HS (LA) | Defensive Coordinator |
| 2013-14 | Nicholls | Cornerbacks |
| 2011-12 | Minnesota State-Moorhead | Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs |
NFL Players (Round Drafted)
- DE Mohamed Kamara (5th) - Colorado State '24 - Miami Dolphins
- DB Ty Okada (UDFA) - Montana State ‘23 - Seattle Seahawks
- LB Troy Andersen (2nd) - Montana State ‘22 - Atlanta Falcons
- LB Daniel Hardy (7th) - Montana State ‘22 - Los Angeles Rams
- DB Marqui Christian (5th) - Midwestern State '16 - Arizona Cardinals
- Hometown: Harvey, Ill.
- Education: BA, Sociology (Advertising/PR minor), NDSU, 2010
- Wife: Candace
- Children: Daughter, Dakota and Son, Aceson
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