Upcoming Event: Women's Soccer at #5 Virginia on September 11, 2025 at 7 p.m.
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7 p.m.
Women's Soccer
at #5 Virginia
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Staff Directory
Shepherd, Austin
Austin Shepherd
- Title:
- Associate Offensive Line Coach
- Email:
- Phone:
- (919) 684-2635
Austin Shepherd joined the Duke coaching staff in March 2024 and currently serves as the associate offensive line coach. He was an offensive analyst during the 2024 campaign.Â
Shepherd helped the 2024 Duke offensive line rank second in the ACC, and tied for ninth nationally, in fewest sacks allowed per game (0.92). Led by Second Team All-ACC selections Caleb Krings and Brian Parker II, the Blue Devil offensive line stood third among Power 4 programs in pass blocking efficiency, a Pro Football Focus rating that measures pressure allowed on a per-snap basis with weighting toward sacks allowed.
Prior to arriving in Durham, Shepherd spent two seasons (2022-23) as the director of recruiting and football logistics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Shepherd helped the offensive line coach with on-the-field practice drills and the development of the offensive line. Additionally, he ran summer camps and assisted the director of player personnel in weekly evaluations of talent.
For the 2021 season, Shepherd served as a graduate assistant coach working with the offensive line at the University of Mississippi. During his lone season in Oxford, Miss., the Rebels finished with a 10-3 record, including an appearance in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Shepherd was responsible for mentoring the offensive tackles and running scout team meetings.Â
Shepherd began his coaching career at Florida Atlantic University where he served one year (2020) as an offensive line graduate assistant. The Owls posted five wins during the COVID-19 hindered season with an appearance in the Montgomery Bowl.Â
Before breaking into the coaching ranks, Shepherd was a financial adviser at Raymond James for two years (2018-20) after concluding a three-year (2015-17) NFL career. He was drafted in the seventh round (228th overall pick) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 NFL Draft, and appeared in 16 games as a rookie. He also spent time with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers during his professional career.Â
Shepherd was a five-year member and four-year letterwinner along the offensive line at the University of Alabama from 2010-14. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Shepherd helped the Crimson Tide register a 58-9 overall record, a 33-7 SEC mark, consecutive BCS National Championships (2011 and 2012) and five-straight bowl game appearances. In addition, Alabama claimed the 2012 and 2014 SEC championships.
Shepherd, a Second Team All-SEC selection, appeared in 44 career games, making 27 starts at right tackle. He was a two-time leadership council representative and was chosen by head coach Nick Saban to be a team mentor to help incoming freshmen adjust to college life. Additionally, he was honored with the 2013 Upfront Award, the 2013 Iron Bowl MVP Award, the 2013 Most Improved Player Award and the 2014 Paul Crane Offensive Line Award.Â
A native of Buford, Ga., Shepherd graduated from Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2013. He also obtained his master’s degree in marketing from the university in 2014. He is married to the former Elise Petitjean and has a son, Barron.Â
Coach Diaz Media Availability: Tulane
Wednesday, September 10
Darian Mensah Media Availability: Tulane
Tuesday, September 09
Josiah Green Media Availability: Tulane
Tuesday, September 09
Coach Patke Press Conference: Tulane
Monday, September 08
