Greg Burns is in third season as an assistant coach and his second with the linebackers.
In 2014, Burns lead a unit that featured two 1st Team All Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Linebackers for the first time since 1999. The group featured the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and 3rd Team All-American (D3 Football), Brandon Harper. Harper dominated at his post and has been the leader of one of the nation's top defenses. Harper finished the regular season tied for 10th in the conference with 10 tackles for a loss and tied for 11th with 6.8 tackles per game. Harper went on to sign a contract a with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders.
Harper was one of two linebackers to earn first-team All-MAC honors for the Pride. Kevin Burns joined Harper as one of two to earn the league honors at the linebacker position. Burns led the conference in Tackles for Loss (TFL’s) with 22.5 total. Kevin was also a 2nd Team All- East Region Linebacker for the Pride. The linebacker also participated in the USA College Football Bowl.
The Linebackers were a key component in a defense that was nationally ranked #2 against the run (68 ypg) while keeping nine opponents to less than 100 yards and two with negative rushing totals. They were also #3 in total sacks (46), and #2 in total tackles for loss (129). The pride finished 12-1 overall winning its 20th conference title and making its first NCAA Playoff Quarterfinals appearance since 2012.
In Burns’ first season with the Pride, 2013, he coached was the Wide Receivers coach and an offense that ranked first in the conference in passing yards per game. In 2013, Burns coached two All-Conference performers led by Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Offensive Player of the Year and 1st team All-American, Anthony Davis. Senior Jermaine Quattlebaum also received Honorable Mention. Davis tallied 91 receptions, a Widener single season record and ranked 6th in the nation with 9.1 receptions per game. Following his senior year, Davis went on to get invited to the Buffalo Bills Rookie Camp.
Following his playing career, Burns worked as a student assistant at The College of New Jersey upon finishing his playing career. Burns assisted in the Lions’ strength and conditioning, academic advising and video breakdown. He also was a recruiting assistant, prepared all camps and produced the team’s highlight video. Within community service, he assisted with Cupid’s Chase 5K Run and Unified Flag Football for Special Olympics.
Burns played linebacker for four years at TCNJ, graduating as the programs career tackle leader. The three-time All-New Jersey Athletic Conference pick was tabbed second team Beyond Sports Network All-America and second team D3Football.com All-East Region in 2012. Burns also earned the 2012 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year, a member of the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society and a two-year captain.
Burns graduated TCNJ in 2013 with a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration at Widener.
