David Turner, a 16-year veteran of the collegiate coaching ranks, will coach the Vanderbilt defensive line. Turner will also fill the important role of recruiting coordinator for Commodore Head Coach Bobby Johnson.

The native of Goldston, North Carolina comes to Vanderbilt from the University of Minnesota where he coached the Gopher defensive ends in 2001.

Before accepting the Big Ten position, Turner served as defensive tackles and linebackers coach at the University of Virginia. He also served as a special teams co-coordinator during his final year at Virginia.

Turner is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina. He was a three-time varsity letterman as a running back.

He began coaching as an assistant at his alma mater. In 1988, he moved to North Carolina State, serving two years as a graduate assistant before spending a year as defensive line coach at Indiana (Pa.) University. From 1991-92, Turner served as outside linebackers coach at James Madison, helping the Dukes to a 9-4 record and berth in the I-AA playoffs.

Turner returned to the NCAA Division I ranks in 1993, serving two seasons as defensive ends coach at the University of Kentucky. In 1995, he returned to North Carolina State, coaching defensive ends and linebackers.

Turner joined the Virginia staff in 1997. Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Davidson in 1985.

Turner is married to the former Yvette Modica. They are the parents of two daughters, Bianca and Alexy.