Aazaar Abdul-Rahim
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 1, 1976 |
| Occupation(s) | American football coach, former player |
| Known for | Co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Maryland; head coach at Friendship Collegiate Academy |
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim (born November 1, 1976) is a former American football player and current coach. He holds the position of co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Maryland. From 2003 until 2013, he led the football program at Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. as head coach.
Playing career
Abdul-Rahim's collegiate playing days were spent as a defensive back, initially at Mesa Community College from 1995 to 1996, before transferring to San Diego State where he played from 1997 through 1999. Following his college career, he played professionally for the San Diego Riptide.
Friendship Collegiate Academy
Following his time as a player, Abdul-Rahim established the football program at Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C., launching the team in 2004. Although the inaugural season ended without a victory, he transformed the Knights into a nationally recognized program that frequently challenged leading teams in the region. Under his leadership, Friendship captured the District of Columbia State Athletic Association title in 2012. Throughout his decade-long tenure, Abdul-Rahim amassed 62 wins and developed over 100 athletes who advanced to Division I football.
Alabama
In 2014, Abdul-Rahim joined the coaching staff at Alabama as a defensive analyst. The following year, he was elevated to assistant director of player personnel. He was part of the coaching team that secured the National Championship in 2015.
Maryland
Abdul-Rahim became part of Maryland's staff in 2016 under head coach D. J. Durkin, taking on responsibilities as defensive backs coach and playing an instrumental role in recruiting, drawing on his extensive connections in Washington, D.C. In recognition of his recruiting success, Rivals.com and 247Sports ranked him among the top 25 recruiters nationwide in 2017. By 2018, his coaching focus shifted primarily to cornerbacks.
UMass
In 2019, Abdul-Rahim was appointed defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach by new head coach Walt Bell at UMass.
Boston College
The following year, Abdul-Rahim joined Boston College as defensive backs coach under newly hired head coach Jeff Hafley. Prior to the start of the 2021 season, he earned a promotion to associate head coach and defensive pass game coordinator.
Personal life
Abdul-Rahim is the founder of “Cover One,” an academy dedicated to training defensive backs that has collaborated with numerous NFL athletes.