(BCSNN) - Cincinnati head football coach Scott Satterfield has hired longtime defensive architect Nate Woody as the Bearcats’ new defensive coordinator, the program announced.

Woody arrives in Clifton after a highly successful six‑year run at Army, where the Black Knights led the American Conference in total defense in each of their first two seasons in the league. His units consistently ranked among the nation’s best, including a No. 1 national finish in total defense in 2020.

“I’m excited to announce Nate Woody as our defensive coordinator,” Satterfield said. “I have known Nate since bringing him in 2013 to Appalachian State, where our defenses had tremendous success over several years. He has continued to coach outstanding, aggressive defenses at Army. He’s one of the best coordinators in the country.”

Woody reunites with Satterfield after previously serving as his defensive coordinator at Appalachian State from 2013–17, and he also worked alongside Cincinnati co‑defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Cortney Braswell at Army from 2021–22.

“I am excited to reunite with Coach Satterfield at Cincinnati,” Woody said. “I have had the utmost respect for him since our time at Appalachian State. I am looking forward to connecting with the staff and student‑athletes as we build into the spring and fall.”

During his six seasons at West Point, Army finished in the top‑25 twice, went 24–9 in November and December, and earned bowl victories over Missouri, Louisiana Tech, and UConn. The Black Knights were top‑15 nationally in total defense three times and led the nation in 2020.

Recent highlights include a program‑record 12 wins and an AAC title in 2024, a season in which Army led the nation in red‑zone defense and allowed just 15.5 points per game. The secondary recorded 18 interceptions — the program’s most since 1988.

Army also closed the 2023 season on a four‑game win streak while allowing only 12.3 points per game, ranked third nationally in pass defense in 2022, and finished 15th in total defense in 2021.

Before Army, Woody served as a defensive analyst at Michigan (2019), defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech (2018), defensive coordinator at Appalachian State (2013–17), and spent 22 years at Wofford (2000–12), his alma mater.

A four‑year starter at Wofford from 1980–83, Woody played defensive back and linebacker, earned Honorable Mention All‑America honors, and captained the Terriers as a senior. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in business economics.

Woody and his wife, Rebecca, have two sons, Nicolas and Jacob.

The hire is contingent upon a university background check.