Chris Ellis

2023 marked Ellis’ second season as defensive ends coach on Russ Huesman's staff. The former NFL and Virginia Tech standout brings nearly 20 years of playing and coaching experience to the Spiders.

With yet another successful season in his early career as a Spider, Ellis led the defensive ends Marlem Louis (Third Team) and Jeremiah Grant (Third Team) to All-CAA honors. Louis was also recognized by Phil Steele as a Second-Team All-CAA member. Ellis led his group of defensive ends to major success through 2023 as Marlem Louis, Camden Byrd, Jeremiah Grant and Zander Barnett accounted for 103 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 152 tackle yards.

In just his first season on staff, Ellis led defensive ends Marlem Louis (First Team) and Jeremiah Grant (Second Team) to All-CAA honors. Ellis also spent time coaching the rest of the defensive line where Carsen Stocklinski made the offseason switch from offensive line to defensive line and Ray Eldridge was named Third Team All-CAA. Ellis' defensive ends were one of the strongest position groups in 2022, with Louis, Grant and Zander Barnett combining for 113 tackles, 14.5 sacks and 159 tackle yards.

Ellis joins the Spiders after spending the 2021 season as the defensive line coach at Christopher Newport. He coached in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as the defensive line coach of the BC Lions in 2019.

Ellis is no stranger to the Colonial Athletic Association Football, coaching as the defensive ends coach at New Hampshire for two seasons (2017-18) under head coach Sean McDonnell.

Ellis helped the Wildcats to the 2017 NCAA FCS Playoffs, advancing to the quarterfinals with wins over Central Connecticut State and on the road at Central Arkansas. He helped guide Rick Holt and Jae’Wuan Horton to All-CAA honors in his two seasons coaching the defensive linemen in Durham.

Ellis worked for three seasons at Christopher Newport in his first stint with the Captains (2014-17). In 2014, he worked for current Spider defensive coordinator and former CNU defensive coordinator Justin Wood. He helped Christopher Newport to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2014, advancing to the second round.

Ellis was a standout at Virginia Tech, becoming an All-Atlantic Coast Conference defensive end with the Hokies. He played four bowls during his time in Blacksburg, including the Sugar Bowl (2005) and the Orange Bowl (2008). Ellis was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2008 draft. He played for the Bills for three seasons and then spent two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

His pro career concluded in the 2012 season playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. Following his playing career, Ellis began his coaching career by spending a season at Frostburg State University as a coaching intern in 2013.

Ellis graduated from Virginia Tech in 2007 with a degree in apparel, housing, and business management. He played all four years with the Hokies under legendary head coach Frank Beamer.