American football player and coach (born 1988)

Aaron Henry (born November 28, 1988) is an American football coach and former safety who is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois. He began his professional career with the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL), and played his college football for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Playing career

High School

Henry was a multi sport athlete at Immokalee High School in Immokallee, Florida. As a wide receiver and defensive back, he helped Immokalee to the 2004 Florida state title and go undefeated in the 2006 regular season. He was an all-state football player, all-county basketball player, and state qualifier in track.

College

He committed to play safety at Wisconsin under head coach Bret Bielema. There he was a three time Academic All-Big Ten recipient along with being awarded first and second team All-Big Ten.

NFL

In 2012 he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oakland Raiders, however he was cut before the regular season.

Coaching career

Arkansas

In 2014 Henry began his career in coaching as a defensive graduate assistant at Arkansas under his former coach at Wisconsin Bret Bielema. He stayed there until the end of the 2015 season.

Rutgers

Henry spent the 2016 season as the defensive back's coach for Rutgers under Chris Ash.

NC State

In 2017 he went to NC State as the team's safeties coach. In 2018 and 2019 he coached the team's cornerbacks.

Vanderbilt

In 2020 he was the cornerback's coach for Vanderbilt.

Illinois

In 2021 he was reunited with Bielema serving as Illinois defensive backs coach. In 2023 he was promoted to the role of defensive coordinator.