All-MAC Players Under Brechin
| David Frazier (2014) |
Second Team |
| James Gardner (2016) |
Third Team |
| James Gardner (2017) |
First Team |
| Sterling Weatherford (2021) |
Second Team |
| Ryan McWood (2022) |
Second Team |
| Matthew Salopek (2022) |
Third Team |
| John Saunders Jr. (2022) |
Third Team |
| Caiden Woullard (2023) |
First Team |
| Matt Salopek (2023) |
First Team |
| Brian Ugwu (2023) |
Second Team |
| Ty Wise (2023) |
Second Team |
| Yahsyn McKee (2023) |
Second Team |
| Matt Salopek (2024) |
First Team |
| Raion Strader (2024) |
First Team |
| Brian Ugwu (2024) |
First Team |
| Corey Suttle (2024) |
Second Team |
| Ty Wise (2024) |
Second Team |
| Eli Blakey (2024) |
Third Team |
Twitter: @CoachBrechin
Bill Brechin begins his 12th year with Miami, fourth as a defensive coordinator. He has also coached wide receivers and defensive backs during his time with the RedHawks.
Since taking over as defensive coordinator, Brechin's defense has finished top-three in the MAC all three seasons. Miami has also forced 63 turnovers and produced 93 sacks since the beginning of 2022. Brechin has also produced 18 All-MAC performers during his time in Oxford, 14 coming since the 2022 campaign.
In Brechin's first year running the defense, Miami led the league in scoring defense (22.6) and rush defense (135.9) and forced 22 turnovers, a Miami best since head coach Chuck Martin's arrival in 2014. He also helped three RedHawks earn All-MAC honors, highlighted by a pair of linebackers in Ryan McWood (second-team) and Matthew Salopek (third-team). Sterling Weatherford earned second team All-MAC in 2021, working directly with Brechin.
As good as Miami's defense was in 2022, the 2023 defense is one for the record books. Miami ranked eighth nationally in scoring defense (15.9) and allowed just 86 points in eight conference games (10.8/game), the fewest allowed in MAC play since 2000. Miami allowed just nine touchdowns in conference play and held all eight opponents under their season scoring average. This included a pair of shutouts as Miami was tops in the conference in scoring defense, total defense and sacks. Linebacker Matt Salopek was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year and in all, five RedHawks earned All-MAC honors in 2023.
More of the same occurred in 2024. Brechin's defense was third in the MAC in scoring defense and forced 23 turnovers as the RedHawks played in their second-straight MAC title game. Six different defenders earned All-MAC accolades, best in the conference.
In 2019, Brechin coached a pair of safeties in Sterling Weatherford and Mike Brown that formed one of the league's top duos. Weatherford was second on the team with 98 tackles and Brown was seventh with 56 stops and added three interceptions (two returned for touchdown). Brown was second on the team in tackles back in 2018. Both Weatherford and Brown have seen time on NFL squads.
Prior to coaching safeties, Brechin worked with the wide receivers. In his time on the offensive side of the ball, Brechin coached three players to All-MAC status, including David Frazier in 2014 and James Gardner in 2016 and 2017.
Brechin came from Grand Valley State University, where he coached wide receivers in 2013. While there just a short time, he made a major impact, helping sophomore wide receiver Jamie Potts earn first-team All-Super Region 4 honors, finishing the year with 899 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He and the Lakers would also advance to the National Semi-Final contest.
Prior to GVSU, Brechin spent three seasons working with the Notre Dame football coaching staff. From 2010-11, Brechin was an intern for the offensive staff and his primary duties involved assisting the offensive coaches in a variety of areas, including film breakdowns, scouting reports and playbooks. In 2012, Brechin worked with the wide receivers and slot receivers.
Brechin joined the Irish following a two-year stint as graduate assistant at Grand Valley State where he worked with the Lakers' safeties. In 2009, Grand Valley State advanced to the NCAA Division II national championship game.
Brechin was an All-GLIAC performer at Grand Valley State from 2005-07 as a defensive back. He played for current Miami head coach Chuck Martin when he was head coach at Grand Valley State. In his career with the Lakers, Brechin tallied 82 tackles, 24 pass deflections and eight interceptions. A three-year starter for the Lakers, Brechin led GVSU to back-to-back NCAA DII National Championships in 2005 and 2006 and helped the Lakers post a 40-1 record during his playing career. Brechin was the defensive player of the game in the 2006 title game as he picked off two passes and recovered a fumble in the 17-14 victory.
Brechin is a native of Addison, Ill. He and his wife, Jessica, have a son, John and daughters, Addyson and Julianna.
Brechin Timeline
- 2024 - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
- 2022-23Â - Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
- 2020 - Secondary, Miami University
- 2018 - Safeties, Miami University
- 2014 - Wide Receivers, Miami University
- 2013 -- Wide Receivers, GVSU
- 2012 -- Offensive Assistant, Notre Dame
- 2010-11 -- Football Intern, Notre Dame
- 2008-09 -- Graduate Assistant, GVSU
