James Bettcher

Bettcher joins the Bengals after spending a year with the 49ers as their Senior Defensive Assistant/Run Game Specialist. Previously, he served as the defensive coordinator with the New York Giants (2018-19) and Arizona Cardinals (2015-17).

Bettcher spent the 2013-14 seasons with the Cardinals as the team's outside linebackers coach. He first entered the NFL coaching ranks as a special assistant to the head coach/outside linebackers coach with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

Prior to his time in Indianapolis, Bettcher worked at the collegiate level at the University of New Hampshire as a linebackers/special teams coach (2011), Ball State University as defensive ends/special teams coach (2010), the University of North Carolina as a graduate assistant/defensive assistant (2007-09), Bowling Green State University as a graduate assistant/defense (2006) and the University of St. Francis (IL) as a defensive line/special teams coach (2003-05).

A native of Lakeville, IN, Bettcher attended the University of St. Francis (IL), where he was a three-time NAIA All-America Scholar, a three-time Mid-States Football Association Scholar, a two-time NAIA Coaches All-America choice, and a two-time Don Hansen's All-America selection as an offensive lineman.