Maurice ‘Mo’ Linguist comes to the University of Alabama for his first season as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs coach after three seasons as Head Coach at the University of Buffalo. Coach Linguist’s success stems from his ability to understand the power of unity and create a cohesive unit throughout his program. Coach Linguist brings his relentless energy and drive to player development from the time the Buffalo players first step foot on campus until they graduate. His knowledge of schemes allows him to pair players with the perfect plays to enable them to be successful.

Coach Linguist is one of the nation’s top recruiters and has excelled in coaching at both the Power Five level and in the NFL. In his first year as head coach, Linguist put together the No. 1 recruiting class in the MAC, a particularly impressive feat after Buffalo finished last in recruiting in 2020. Linguist became the head coach of the Buffalo football program in 2021 after serving as the defensive backs coach/co-defensive coordinator at Michigan, and the cornerbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. In Dallas, Coach Linguist directed a secondary that forced 10 interceptions while allowing the fifth-fewest passing first downs in the league (180). The Cowboys were also ranked in the top half of the league in pass yards allowed (11th), completion percentage against (10th), and takeaways (ninth). Linguist coached rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs (three interceptions in 2020) to a strong first season in the league. In addition to his experience in the NFL, Linguist coached the cornerbacks at Texas A&M from 2018 to 2019, defensive backs at Minnesota in 2017, safeties at Mississippi State in 2016, and defensive backs at Iowa State from 2014 to 2015.

During Coach Linguist’s time at Texas A&M, the Aggies hauled in 19 interceptions in his two seasons, and during the 2018 season, the defense was top-15 nationally in first downs allowed (221) despite facing the fewest snaps against among all SEC teams. Linguist helped the Aggies sign back-to-back top-six recruiting classes in 2019 and 2020. He was the lead recruiter for five-star safety Jaylon Jones, the first five-star defensive back to sign with Texas A&M. In his season at Minnesota, Linguist’s secondary helped anchor a defense that finished No. 11 nationally with 174.5 yards allowed per game after finishing 73rd in the NCAA just one year earlier. The unit surrendered 16 touchdowns, a top-25 figure nationally and ranked among the nation’s best in first downs allowed (11th) and total defense (30th). Linguist was also the lead recruiter for Rashod Bateman, the Big Ten’s Wide Receiver of the Year. At Mississippi State, under the direction of Linguist, the safeties were responsible for 7 of the team’s 14 interceptions. The defense scored 4 touchdowns (No. 8, NCAA) and totaled 14 interceptions (No. 35, NCAA) during the 2016 season. During his time at Iowa State, Linguist coached three players to All-Big 12 honors, including safety Kamari Cotton-Moya, a first-team All-American freshman team selection by the Football Writers’ Association of America (FWAA). Cotton-Moya led the team in tackles and was named the conference’s Freshman of the Year on defense. Linguist then guided cornerback Brian Peavy to a spot as a finalist for the award the following year.

“He’s a guy that will guide the young men on the field and off of it. Being around him for the time that I was, I learned his leadership qualities and character speak very loudly, positively and effectively”

Khalil Mack
Chicago Bears Linebacker & former Buffalo All-American

“Mo Linguist is a tremendous young coach with great energy, passion and personality. He has phenomenal teaching skills and excellent personal skills. You have an outstanding football coach and an even better person.”

Mike McCarthy
Dallas Cowboys Head Coach

“I am happy for Mo and I know that he will do great things as a head coach. I take great pride in the success of those on our staff who have moved into head coaching positions and know that there are those presently on our staff who will move into head coaching positions in the near future.”

Jim Harbaugh
Michigan Head Coach

“Mo is a remarkable leader. His ability to communicate and connect with anyone who enters his orbit has served him well throughout his career and will be a tremendous asset.”

Allen Greene
Auburn Athletic Director & former Buffalo Athletic Director