Maryland standout and All-ACC performer, Delbert Cowsette returns to his alma mater in 2019 to coach the Terrapin’s defensive line.
Cowsette, who also played in the NFL, has spent the past five seasons at the University of Albany, also coaching the defensive line.
Under Cowsette’s guidance, the Great Danes produced 20 sacks in 2018 and 24 sacks in 2017. UAlbany held opponents to 107.0 rushing yards per game in 2017 as defensive end Malachi Hoskins earned First-Team All-CAA honors after totaling nine sacks and five tackles for a loss.
In 2016, Cowsette's line helped UAlbany earn 24 sacks and have the No. 2 scoring defense in the CAA at 18.8 points allowed a game. Hoskins earned Second Team All-CAA honors with seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 82 total tackles.
In his first season, the UAlbany defense led the nation in turnover margin (1.25) as well as fumble recoveries (20) under Cowsette's watch.
Cowsette came to UAlbany after two stints at Hampton University where he served as the defensive line coach, defensive coordinator, and recruiting coordinator.
In 2010, Cowsette tutored two All-Americans on the defensive end: Kenrick Ellis and Brandon Peguese, who helped the Pirate defense finish in the top three nationally in total defense. The Pirate defense also finished No. 1 in red zone stops.
As the assistant defensive line coach, Cowsette helped the Virginia Destroyers win the 2011 UFL Championship. Under his direction, the Destroyers finished first in every defensive statistical category.
Cowsette then returned to Hampton for the 2012 and 2013 seasons where he served as the pro liaison for NFL scouts, as well as developed an all-conference defensive end.
Cowsette was a four-year standout at Maryland (1996-99) where he was team captain his senior year while earning First Team All-ACC honors. He currently  ranks 12th all-time at Maryland with 31 tackles for loss and in 1999 he tied for the team lead with six sacks.
After receiving a bachelor's degree in geography (with a double minor in sociology and graphic design), Cowsette was drafted by the Washington Redskins and played for the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears from 2000-06.
Cowsette began his coaching career in 2007 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Terrapins, before moving on to become an assistant defensive line coach in 2008-09.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Cowsette is married to Alena Cowsette. They have three children: Laila, Delbert II, and Joseph Cowsette. He is a co-founder of the Premiere Intermediate Football League (wwwgopifl.com), and he owns the non-profit youth organization In Between The Lines (www.ibtlsports.com).
