Football
Paulson, Kraig
Kraig Paulson
- Title:
- Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
- Email:
- kraig.paulson@siu.edu
- Phone:
- 618-453-7975
- Alma Mater:
- Montana, 1987
Kraig Paulson is in his third season as Saluki Football’s assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Paulson, who also coaches linebackers at SIU, is one of the most accomplished defensive coordinators in the FCS over the past 15 seasons.
Paulson was hired as part of Nick Hill’s inagural staff at SIU in 2016, and he made an immediate impact as the Salukis improved in nearly every defensive statistical category. SIU allowed 75 fewer rushing yards per game and four fewer points per game than the previous season. Southern’s 12 interceptions were the most for the program in five seasons, and the Salukis led the MVFC and ranked 11th nationally in red zone defense.
Paulson has a long history of preparing players for the National Football League. Since his arrival at Southern, four defensive players have signed NFL free-agent contracts, including linebacker Chase Allen, who started for the Miami Dolphins as a rookie in 2017. Other Saluki signees include defensive end Deondre Barnett (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), safety Ryan Neal (Philadelphia Eagles) and cornerback Craig James (Minnesota Vikings).
Prior to SIU, Paulson served as defensive coordinator at Utah State, Montana and UNLV during a span of 17 seasons. He actually served two stints at Montana. After playing for the Grizzlies, he started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1987 and earned a full-time job in 1988. Paulson helped Montana win a national championship in 1995, and took over as defensive coordinator in 1998, winning two more conference championships before leaving to take the DC job at Utah State in 2000.
Paulson returned to Montana as defensive coordinator from 2004-09, winning six-straight conference championships and advancing to the national championship game three times. During his second stint at Montana, the Grizzlies went 71-13 overall, 34-4 in the Big Sky, and 11-6 in the playoffs. He earned the All-American Football Foundation Assistant Coach Award in 2006.Montana produced nine All-Americans under Paulson, and his 2009 Montana defense led the nation in turnovers with 37, including 26 interceptions. He coached 2007 National Defensive Player of the Year Kroy Biermann, who had a seven-year NFL career.
Paulson was UNLV’s defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and assistant head coach for five seasons from 2010-14. He helped the Rebels reach the 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl before coaching at Northern State in 2015.
Paulson and his wife, Jody, have three sons: Keogh, Elias and Rokken.
Paulson was hired as part of Nick Hill’s inagural staff at SIU in 2016, and he made an immediate impact as the Salukis improved in nearly every defensive statistical category. SIU allowed 75 fewer rushing yards per game and four fewer points per game than the previous season. Southern’s 12 interceptions were the most for the program in five seasons, and the Salukis led the MVFC and ranked 11th nationally in red zone defense.
Paulson has a long history of preparing players for the National Football League. Since his arrival at Southern, four defensive players have signed NFL free-agent contracts, including linebacker Chase Allen, who started for the Miami Dolphins as a rookie in 2017. Other Saluki signees include defensive end Deondre Barnett (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), safety Ryan Neal (Philadelphia Eagles) and cornerback Craig James (Minnesota Vikings).Prior to SIU, Paulson served as defensive coordinator at Utah State, Montana and UNLV during a span of 17 seasons. He actually served two stints at Montana. After playing for the Grizzlies, he started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1987 and earned a full-time job in 1988. Paulson helped Montana win a national championship in 1995, and took over as defensive coordinator in 1998, winning two more conference championships before leaving to take the DC job at Utah State in 2000.
Paulson returned to Montana as defensive coordinator from 2004-09, winning six-straight conference championships and advancing to the national championship game three times. During his second stint at Montana, the Grizzlies went 71-13 overall, 34-4 in the Big Sky, and 11-6 in the playoffs. He earned the All-American Football Foundation Assistant Coach Award in 2006.Montana produced nine All-Americans under Paulson, and his 2009 Montana defense led the nation in turnovers with 37, including 26 interceptions. He coached 2007 National Defensive Player of the Year Kroy Biermann, who had a seven-year NFL career.
Paulson was UNLV’s defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and assistant head coach for five seasons from 2010-14. He helped the Rebels reach the 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl before coaching at Northern State in 2015.
Paulson and his wife, Jody, have three sons: Keogh, Elias and Rokken.
9.14.25 | Saluki Radio Postgame at UT Martin - Colin Bohanek
Sunday, September 14
9.14.25 | Saluki Radio Postgame at UT Martin - DJ Williams
Sunday, September 14
9.14.25 | Saluki Radio Postgame at UT Martin - Nick Hill
Sunday, September 14
Saluki Radio Football Broadcast - at UT Martin
Sunday, September 14
