Nate Atkins is a defensive analyst for the University of Connecticut football program in Storrs, Connecticut, entering his second year at UConn in 2026. His work includes opponent pass protection breakdowns, pressure planning tailored to each matchup, and support with the defensive line and special teams.
Before joining UConn, Atkins coached at Ball State, where he served as safeties coach and academic liaison after earlier stops there as a defensive graduate assistant in 2020 and a defensive assistant working with the defensive backs in 2021 and 2022. He also spent time at Dayton as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator before returning to Ball State in spring 2023. That season, Ball State ranked among the nation's top defenses, finishing 21st in total defense, 20th against the run, 32nd against the pass, and 30th on third down. Atkins began coaching as a volunteer defensive assistant at William & Mary in 2020.
