KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The reigning Mid-American Conference Championship Western Michigan football program and head coach Lance Taylor have announced the promotion of Greer Martini to Defensive Coordinator.
 
Martini enters his second season with the Broncos, joining in January of 2025 as the linebackers coach.
 
"I am excited to announce the promotion of Greer Martini to Defensive Coordinator," said Taylor. "Greer has earned the trust of our players and staff through his work ethic, football intelligence and commitment to our culture. His grit and relentless energy show up every day, along with a clear vision of how we attack defensively, and I know he'll push our defense to compete and elevate the championship standard we have created. I couldn't be more confident in his leadership and what he'll bring to this defense."
 
WMU's linebackers were a big part of the success of the defense, that ranked ninth in the nation in points allowed per game. Graduate transfers James Camden and Sefa Saipaia Jr. made an immediate impact under Martini. Camden led the Broncos with 84 tackles, also posting 5.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Saipaia Jr. finished right behind him with 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
 
"I'm extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to be the DC here at WMU," said Martini. "We will continue to set a standard of defensive excellence and constantly find ways to evolve on defense. The defense will play with relentless effort and attention to detail. Go Broncos!"
 
WMU's defense ranked in the Top 20 nationally passing defense efficiency (20th/115.33), in third down defense (17th/305.5), turnover margin (15th/0.64), turnovers gained (15th/24), third down conversion defense, (12th/31.7%), defensive touchdowns (10th/3) and sacks (5th/3.07).
 
Prior to his time with the Broncos, Martini spent two seasons as the linebackers coach at Charlotte.  With the 49ers he coached First Team All-AAC linebacker Demetrius Knight II. In 2024, linebacker Reid Williford led the team with 77 tackles and two sacks. Greer also served  as defensive graduate assistant at LSU under Brian Kelley during the 2022 season and as a defensive quality control assistant at Vanderbilt in 2021 under Clark Lea.
 
Martini was a four-year letterwinner at Notre Dame, playing 49 career games and making 190 total tackles. During his senior season he served as a captain and was a semifinalist for the prestigious Campbell Award. After college he went on to spend a season on the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Martini also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, the XLF's Dallas Renegades, and the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football. 
 
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT GREER MARTINI
 
Brian Kelly
Former LSU and Notre Dame Head Coach
"Greer was a great teammate and leader for me at Notre Dame. His football IQ and instincts made him one of the most reliable players I coached. His ability to build relationships and hold others accountable make him a perfect fit for his new role".
 
Biff Poggi
Former Charlotte Head Coach
"Greer Martini is a young super star in this profession. He was the Captain at Notre Dame and when you are around him you immediately understand why. He checks all the boxes. Most importantly, he is a wonderful man of faith. I'd want my son to play for him"
 
Demetrius Knight
Cincinnati Bengals Linebacker
"Coach Martini built great relationships within LB room and was a servant leader. I wouldn't be where I'm at today without him. He's going to kill it as the DC - he's built for it!!" 
 
James Camden
Former WMU Linebacker
"Coach Martini is an elite football mind with a great understanding of high-level defensive schemes and how offenses react to them. A true players' coach that connects with the guys in his room, as he has both coached and played at the highest levels of football. He builds relationships and creates a championship culture and mentality around him. It was a pleasure to play for Coach Martini as he brought the best out of me as a player and a leader."