The Nittany Lions' defensive coordinator and safeties coach, Bob Shoop is in his 27th year of collegiate coaching. A native of Oakmont, Pa., Shoop was selected the 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year in 2014 after directing a unit that allowed just 278.7 yards per game, good for No. 2 in FBS and the Nittany Lions' second-lowest average since 1990. He has coordinated units that have finished in the Top 25 nationally in total defense in each of the last four years. In 2014, Shoop helped senior safety Adrian Amos grab three interceptions and gain honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades and safety Marcus Allen earn Freshman All-America and Big Ten All-Freshman honors. Shoop was the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Vanderbilt for three years before coming to Happy Valley, directing the Commodores to Top 25 finishes in total defense every season: 18th (2011), 19th (2012) and 23rd (2013). Shoop's defense forced 30 turnovers in 2013, tied for 10th nationally, including 24 over the final eight games, boosting VU to a 6-2 finish. The Commodores won their last five games in 2013, allowing 15.6 ppg during the streak. His 2012 unit held opponents to just 18.7 points per game, the lowest by a VU squad since 1997, and ranked in the Top 15 nationally in pass and scoring defense. Shoop helped mentor cornerback Casey Heyward, who grabbed seven interceptions in 2011 and is tied for the Vanderbilt career record with 15 interceptions, earn All-America and All-SEC honors as a senior. Heyward was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and led all rookies with six interceptions. Shoop also has coached at William & Mary (2007-10), Massachusetts (2006), Columbia (2003-05), Boston College (1999-2002), Army (1998), Villanova (1997), Yale (1989, 1994-96), Northeastern (1991-93) and Virginia (1990). Shoop was a wide receiver at Yale, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1988 after earning honorable mention All-Ivy League accolades in 1987. Shoop was a three-sport standout at Riverview High School and is a member of the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame.
The Shoop File
Personal
Hometown: Oakmont, Pa.
Alma Mater: Yale
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Economics
Family: wife, Maura; two sons, Tyler and Jay
Coaching Career
2014-current - Penn State (defensive coordinator/safeties)
2011-13 - Vanderbilt (defensive coordinator/safeties)
2007-10 - William & Mary (defensive coordinator, secondary)
2006 - University of Massachusetts (defensive backs)
2003-05 - Columbia (head coach)
1999-2002 - Boston College (defensive secondary)
1998 - Army (defensive secondary)
1997 - Villanova (defensive coordinator)
1994-96 - Yale (defensive coordinator)
1991-93 - Northeastern (defensive backs)
1990 - Virginia (graduate assistant)
1989 - Yale (graduate assistant)