Ryan Manalac is the defensive coordinator for the University of Connecticut football program in Storrs, Connecticut, joining the Huskies for the 2026 season as part of head coach Jason Candle's staff.
Before arriving at UConn, Manalac spent five seasons at Pittsburgh as the linebackers coach. His units were central to a defense that consistently ranked among the strongest in the country, and several of his players earned major recognition. In 2024, linebacker Kyle Louis put together an exceptional season, becoming Pitt's first sophomore defensive First Team All-American since 1978 after recording 105 tackles, four interceptions, 15.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. That same year, Rasheem Biles posted 77 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, earning All-ACC honors. Manalac also coached Brandon George, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2025 NFL Draft, and SirVocea Dennis, a first-team All-ACC selection in 2022 who was later drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
