Biography

Ray Hamilton’s long and successful tenure in the NFL as a coach and player reaches its silver anniversary in 2011 as the seasoned veteran enjoys his 25th year in the League.

His dedicated work with DE John Abraham resulted in a big turnaround in production as Abe finished fifth in the NFL with 13.0 sacks in 2010, earning first-team Associated Press All-Pro mention and a trip to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2001.

“The Predator” also entered into select company with Hamilton’s guidance when he grabbed two sacks at Carolina in week 14 to make him the 25th player in NFL history to record 100 or more sacks in a career. Since 2008, when Hamilton arrived on the scene in Atlanta, Abraham has totaled 35 sacks, which ranks fourth (tied) in the NFL and third in the NFC over that three-year span.

Hamilton helped develop rookie third-round draft pick DT Corey Peters into a starter last season as the Kentucky product made an impact in his 15 starts. Also, two of his linemen scored touchdowns on turnovers to aide the scoring defensive totals.

Hamilton’s crew up front had a hand in helping the Falcons defense finish 10th in the League and fifth in the NFC in rush defense last year. Also, they held opponents to 18 points a game to rank fifth in the NFL and third in the NFC in that category.

The defensive line notched two or more sacks in nine games in 2010 and posted a season-high of four sacks in the win at Carolina. The Falcons’ red zone defense was the fifth stingiest among all teams, allowing only 23 touchdowns on the season.

Hamilton will continue to lean on his nine seasons in the NFL as a standout defensive lineman to provide a unique perspective for his own defensive line.

In 2009, Hamilton’s committed efforts with defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux paid off as Babs compiled a career-best season. He set personal-bests in sacks with a team-leading six, tackles with 58, and fumble recoveries with a pair in 16 starts.

“Sugar Bear’s” strong line play in ’09 allowed the Falcons defense to finish 10th in the NFL against the rush and surrender just one 100-yard rusher all season. Atlanta’s defense also enjoyed a productive streak of 10 consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown.

Hamilton will continue to tap into the immense potential of 2009 first round draft pick defensive tackle Peria Jerry, who is rebounding from a season-ending injury after only two games in his rookie season.

In 2008, Hamilton’s plan for Abraham worked to perfection as he totaled a franchise record and career-high 16.5 sacks. Under the direction of Hamilton, the defensive line recorded 31 of the team’s 34 sacks on the year.

Prior to coming to the Falcons, Hamilton was the Defensive Line Coach in Jacksonville from 2003-07. The Jaguars defense ranked fourth in the NFL during that time in yards per game (300.1) and fourth in scoring defense (18.2). The defensive line also posted 180 sacks in that same time frame led by Pro Bowlers Marcus Stroud and John Henderson.

During the 2007 campaign, Jacksonville’s defense ranked sixth in the AFC in points allowed per game (19.0) while ranking fifth in the conference in rushing defense (100.3). The Jags also held opponents to 17 points or less in 10 of 16 games, which tied for the most in the NFL with three other teams.

In 2006, Hamilton guided defensive end Bobby McCray who developed into one of the AFC’s top pass rushers as he led Jacksonville with a career-high 10 sacks.

The defensive line combined for 29.5 sacks, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. Prior to joining Jacksonville, Hamilton spent two seasons as the Defensive Line Coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2001-02. In his first season with Cleveland, the Browns tied for fourth in the AFC with 43 sacks. For three seasons, Hamilton served as New England’s defensive line coach from 1997-99 and joined the New York Jets staff in 2000. His 1998 defensive line tallied 25 of the team’s 36 sacks, the seventh-best total in the NFL.

In 1995, Hamilton joined the Jets in his first stint with the team as the Defensive Line Coach. He coached defensive end Hugh Douglas, who was named the 1995 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. From 1993- 94, Hamilton was a member of the Los Angeles Raiders where he developed Chester McGlockton and a defensive line that combined for 83 sacks in his two seasons with the Silver & Black.

Hamilton spent his only season in the collegiate ranks with the University of Tennessee in 1992 as the Defensive Line Coach, following stints as the Defensive Line Coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1991) and the Head Coach of the Bay State Titans (1990), a semi-pro team that featured defensive tackle Eric Swann, the sixth overall choice in the 1991 NFL Draft.

Hamilton began his coaching career in 1985, spending five seasons as an Assistant Defensive Line coach with the New England Patriots. He helped the Patriots reach their first AFC Championship title and a Super Bowl XX appearance.

A 14th-round draft choice by the Patriots, Hamilton was a fixture on the New England defensive line from 1973-81 while establishing rookie records with seven sacks. He went on to start a team record 110 consecutive games and currently ranks fifth on the Patriots’ all-time sack list with 54.

Hamilton is a native of Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Oklahoma with a degree in business and was named an all-conference selection as a defensive tackle in both his junior and senior seasons. Hamilton received a master’s degree in public administration in 1977 from Suffolk University while playing for the Patriots. Hamilton and his wife, Phyllis, have two sons, Kadar and Damon.

Ray Hamilton’s Coaching Background

• 2008-2011 -- Defensive Line // Falcons
• 2003-2007 -- Defensive Line // Jaguars
• 2001-2002 -- Defensive Line // Browns
• 2000 -- Defensive Line // Jets
• 1997-1999 -- Defensive Line // Patriots
• 1995-1996 -- Defensive Line // Jets
• 1993-1994 -- Defensive Line // Raiders
• 1992 -- Defensive Line // Univ. of Tennessee
• 1991 -- Defensive Line // Buccaneers
• 1990 -- Head Coach // Bay State Titans
• 1985-89 -- Assistant Defensive Line // Patriots