Coach Ameer Ismail

By: Haroun Savage (NCMFC Staff)

In the latest Member Spotlight, I had the opportunity to talk to Edmonton Elks Linebacker Coach Ameer Ismail. Although he started out playing soccer as a child, his friends in his neighborhood encouraged him to try football in the 7th grade. He fell in love with the game very early on as he experienced success early. In high school, he shattered rushing records as a running back, catching the attention of Power 5 programs. However, a major injury during his junior year put his football future in jeopardy. Just as he was beginning to recover and regain interest from top programs, a broken leg early in his senior year led him to focus on his offers from MAC schools, eventually committing to Western Michigan University.

At Western Michigan, Coach Ismail started as a running back, but after injuries at linebacker, he moved to linebacker. The transition became a turning point in Coach Ismail’s career, determination and skill quickly made him a standout at the position, ultimately earning him All-American honors while leading the nation in sacks (17) and TFLs (25). As well as, setting a NCAA Record for 6 sacks in a Game, WMU Football Most Valuable Player, and First Team All-MAC Linebacker. 

His collegiate success even led him to a brief opportunity in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he didn't make the final roster, Coach Ismail continued to chase his NFL dream while exploring alternative avenues like the Arena Football League and even Slamball. When another injury led him to step away from playing, he pivoted to coaching.

Ismail’s coaching career started as a Defensive Coordinator and Strength and Conditioning Coach in the IFL where his defense was ranked #1 and #2 in all major categories After playing his last season in the Arena League, he became a Defensive Coordinator for the Cedar Rapids Titans in the IFL. After moving on to the Tri-City Fever, he became known as a top recruiter and DC around the league and rapidly advanced from a defensive coordinator to head coach of the Bloomington Edge. 

He continued to gain experience across various leagues, including being the Head Coach with the Massachusetts Pirates in the National Arena League and positions at the collegiate level. He spent time as an analyst at Western Michigan, coached at Albion College, Wilkes University defensive coordinator, and Kalamazoo College as a defensive coordinator, and most recently served as the Recruiting Coordinator, Director of Player Personnel, and Defensive Line Coach at Davenport University.

In 2024, Coach Ismail joined the Edmonton Elks as the linebackers coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience from coaching across multiple levels of football. His extensive background has given him a unique perspective on the game, as he’s learned to work with many different athletes from diverse backgrounds. These experiences enable him to connect deeply with his players, many of whom he relates to from his own journey through the highs and lows of a challenging football career. The Elks were 0-7 and 7-4 after he joined. He also led the linebackers to be top 2 in the league in tackles and coached All-CFL LB Nick Anderson. Anderson is also a finalist for the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie award. He tied teammate LB Nyles Morgan with 111 defensive tackles. The 2 became the 3rd duo in CFL HISTORY to record 100+ defensive tackles in the same season.

Several influential coaches have shaped Coach Ismail’s approach to coaching. Coach Scott Schafer instilled in him the values of attitude and effort through a high-energy, hard-nosed defensive style. Bob Diaco, his linebacker coach at Western Michigan, guided his transition to the new position, while Chuck Bullough pushed him to play relentlessly and Steve Morrison’s knowledge and analytical approach offered a valuable perspective on the game. His connection with Joe Adams, current Head coach at Saint Anselm College, who was a graduate assistant during Ismail's playing days, continues to be a resource today.

Looking forward, Coach Ismail’s long-term goals include reaching the NFL as a coach or becoming a Division I coordinator. In the short term, he’s committed to being the best coach he can be, embracing each step with a dedication to staying present and giving his all. His journey to the Elks reflects a career built on perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine love for football and everyone he coaches.

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