Nate Ollie joins the Texans as the assistant defensive line coach in 2024 ahead of his 11th season coaching, including his sixth in the NFL. He most recently served as the defensive line coach of the Indianapolis Colts (2022-23), while also serving as an assistant defensive line coach with the New York Jets (2021) and Philadelphia Eagles (2019-20).
In 2023, Ollie guided a defensive line unit that finished fifth in the NFL in sacks (51.0), setting a new single-season franchise record during the Indianapolis era (since 1984). Indianapolis also finished fifth in tackles for loss (94). Additionally, the Colts were the only team in the league to record at least 5.0 sacks in three-or-more consecutive games last season. Under Ollie's tutelage, DT DeForest Buckner was named to his third Pro Bowl after finishing with 8.0 sacks on the season. Buckner was one-of-four Colts to record at least 7.0 sacks on the season, joining DE Samson Ebukam (9.5), DE Dayo Odeyingbo (8.0) and DE Kwity Paye (8.5), who all finished with career-highs in sacks. The Colts were the only team in the NFL to have four-such players. The defense also finished tied for fifth in forced fumbles (17).
In 2022, the Colts rush defense allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per attempt (4.13). They also finished in the top 10 in the league in sacks (44.0 – tied-10th), tackles for loss (91 – fifth), forced fumbles (13 – tied-eighth), fumble recoveries (11 – tied-fourth), opponent negative plays (31 – fifth), third down percentage (37.95 – 10th) and opponent three-and-out percentage (22.3 – eighth). The unit's 44 sacks were the most in franchise history since 2005 (46).
That season, the Colts defense received significant contributions from defensive tackles Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. Stewart recorded single-season career highs in tackles (70), solo tackles (44), tackles for loss (9.0), sacks (4.0), passes defensed (three) and fumble recoveries (one). Buckner totaled 74 tackles (44 solo), 11.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Among NFL defensive tackles, Stewart and Buckner each ranked in the top five in total tackles (Buckner – tied-second; Stewart – tied-fourth) and solo tackles (Buckner and Stewart – tied-second). Buckner (third) and Stewart (fifth) each ranked in the top five in total tackles by a defensive tackle in single-season franchise history. It marked the first time since 1994 that the Colts had two defensive tackles register at least 70 tackles each in a single season.
Additionally, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue led the team with 9.5 sacks. Ollie worked with second-year defensive ends Kwity Paye (10.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks) and Dayo Odeyingbo (5.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks), who each established single-season career highs in tackles for loss and sacks.
In 2021, Ollie served as the assistant defensive line coach for the Jets. He guided defensive end John Franklin-Myers to single-season career highs in solo tackles (17), tackles for loss (6.0), sacks (6.0) and interceptions (one). He became the first Jets' defensive lineman to record 6.0 sacks and an interception in a single season since 2013 (Muhammad Wilkerson).
Prior to New York, Ollie was with the Eagles as their assistant defensive line coach for two seasons (2019-20). He mentored a group that tallied 72.0 sacks, which was the second most by a defensive line unit during that time frame. Ollie guided defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (2019-20) and defensive end Brandon Graham (2020) to Pro Bowl selections.
Before entering the NFL ranks, Ollie coached collegiately at Eastern Kentucky for one season (2018) after working at the University of Tennessee for three seasons (2015-17). While at Tennessee, he served as a graduate assistant (2015-17), including the interim defensive line coach in 2017. Ollie worked with defensive end Derek Barnett, who surpassed Reggie White for the most sacks in school history (33.0).
After graduating from Ball State, he started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Yorktown Middle School in 2014.
As a player, Ollie appeared in 46 games at Ball State (2010-13) and was a three-time All-MAC selection. He finished his career with 178 tackles (66 solo), 15.0 sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. Ollie was teammates with current Colts Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Zane Fakes for four seasons (2010-13) at Ball State.
Ollie is a native of Chicago, Ill. He is married to his wife, Ambria, who was a Colts cheerleader for four seasons (2016-19). Following the 2019 season, Ambria was chosen to represent the team at the 2020 Pro Bowl.
Pro Bowl Players Coached (3): DT DeForest Buckner (2023), DT Fletcher Cox (2019, 20), DE Brandon Graham (2020)
