Eastern Michigan Athletics
Flag Football Names Ross as Defensive Coordinator
8/6/2026 10:02:00 AM | Flag Football
Ross helped Siena Heights capture the 2026 NCFFL National Championship
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Jesse Siordia, head coach of the Eastern Michigan University flag football program, has named Malcomb Ross as an assistant coach for the Eagles' inaugural 2027 season, it was announced today, Aug. 6. Ross, who will serve as the program's defensive coordinator, brings a wealth of experience to Ypsilanti after assisting Siordia the previous two seasons with a Siena Heights University program that captured a 2026 national title.
"Bringing Malcomb with me to Eastern Michigan was an absolute priority," Siordia said. "Malcomb has been my right-hand man on defense for years, going back to our time building the program at Rising Stars and Siena Heights. He understands my vision, knows how to develop elite defensive talent, and brings an unmatched level of preparation and intensity every single day. I couldn't be more excited to have him leading our defense as we build this program at EMU."
Ross, who got his start in flag football in 2013, was instrumental in helping the Saints capture the national title at the 2026 NCFFL National Championship Tournament as SHU posted two shutouts in its five games at the event, including a 14-0 blanking of the College of Staten Island in the championship final.
"I am very honored to be joining the staff as the first defensive coordinator in program history," Ross said. "I plan to bring energy and passion to the field and help get the program get off to a strong start."
Ross joined Siordia's staff at Siena Heights in 2024 and worked with the Saints' defense during the program's two years of play. SHU posted 29 victories over its two seasons while Ross' defense collected 12 total shutouts. Additionally, of the 52 games played, the Saints' defense limited its opponents to one score or less 21 times. Following the 2026 season, three SHU players received honors from the NAIA as linebacker Kyamora Dunn earned NAIA All-American Second Team and NAIA All-East Region First Team accolades while both Adrian Griffin (cornerback) and Mackenzie Pope (safety) both earned NAIA All-East Region Second Team honors.
Along with his duties with SHU, Ross also worked with players in the Rising Stars program. His duties included training quarterbacks and serving as the offensive coordinator for the 7v7 program.
Prior to his time with the Saints, Ross served as the defensive coordinator from 2017-23 for NFWB Vikings, a youth football program in the North Farmington, West Bloomfield, and surrounding areas. He worked with players from ages 5-13 that competed in the Oakland Macomb Youth Football Association.
Ross got his start with flag football as a National Flag Football League Coordinator from 2013-18. During that time, he helped create leagues throughout Michigan, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida, while organizing national championship events throughout the country.
Nicknamed Coach Boog, Ross currently resides in Farmington Hills.
Malcomb Ross File
Full Name: Malcomb Otis Ross
Hometown: Southfield, Mich.
High School: Southfield
College: Bowling Green
Coaching Experience
Year: Organization • Position • Notes
2026-pre: Eastern Michigan University • Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator
2024-26: Siena Heights University • Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator
2022-pre: Rising Stars • Quarterbacks Coach / Offensive Coordinator (offseason and 7v7 program)
2017-23: North Farmington West Bloomfield Vikings • Defensive Coordinator (youth football)
2013-18: National Flag Football League • Coordinator
"Bringing Malcomb with me to Eastern Michigan was an absolute priority," Siordia said. "Malcomb has been my right-hand man on defense for years, going back to our time building the program at Rising Stars and Siena Heights. He understands my vision, knows how to develop elite defensive talent, and brings an unmatched level of preparation and intensity every single day. I couldn't be more excited to have him leading our defense as we build this program at EMU."
Ross, who got his start in flag football in 2013, was instrumental in helping the Saints capture the national title at the 2026 NCFFL National Championship Tournament as SHU posted two shutouts in its five games at the event, including a 14-0 blanking of the College of Staten Island in the championship final.
"I am very honored to be joining the staff as the first defensive coordinator in program history," Ross said. "I plan to bring energy and passion to the field and help get the program get off to a strong start."
Ross joined Siordia's staff at Siena Heights in 2024 and worked with the Saints' defense during the program's two years of play. SHU posted 29 victories over its two seasons while Ross' defense collected 12 total shutouts. Additionally, of the 52 games played, the Saints' defense limited its opponents to one score or less 21 times. Following the 2026 season, three SHU players received honors from the NAIA as linebacker Kyamora Dunn earned NAIA All-American Second Team and NAIA All-East Region First Team accolades while both Adrian Griffin (cornerback) and Mackenzie Pope (safety) both earned NAIA All-East Region Second Team honors.
Along with his duties with SHU, Ross also worked with players in the Rising Stars program. His duties included training quarterbacks and serving as the offensive coordinator for the 7v7 program.
Prior to his time with the Saints, Ross served as the defensive coordinator from 2017-23 for NFWB Vikings, a youth football program in the North Farmington, West Bloomfield, and surrounding areas. He worked with players from ages 5-13 that competed in the Oakland Macomb Youth Football Association.
Ross got his start with flag football as a National Flag Football League Coordinator from 2013-18. During that time, he helped create leagues throughout Michigan, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida, while organizing national championship events throughout the country.
Nicknamed Coach Boog, Ross currently resides in Farmington Hills.
Malcomb Ross File
Full Name: Malcomb Otis Ross
Hometown: Southfield, Mich.
High School: Southfield
College: Bowling Green
Coaching Experience
Year: Organization • Position • Notes
2026-pre: Eastern Michigan University • Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator
2024-26: Siena Heights University • Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator
2022-pre: Rising Stars • Quarterbacks Coach / Offensive Coordinator (offseason and 7v7 program)
2017-23: North Farmington West Bloomfield Vikings • Defensive Coordinator (youth football)
2013-18: National Flag Football League • Coordinator
Wednesday, August 05
Monday, August 03
Monday, August 03
Friday, July 24