Brandon McKinney has served as an assistant coach at Central State University since the spring of 2018. In the spring of 2020, McKinney was promoted to CSU's defensive coordinator while continuing his role as the program's certified strength and conditioning coach.
McKinney is from nearby Dayton, Ohio and starred as a defensive tackle at Chaminade Juliene High School, where he was a two-time Associated Press All-State selection and PrepStar All-America selection.
McKinney went on to play collegiately at Michigan State University. He totaled 93 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a Spartan, including a career-high 42 tackles during his junior season to finish among the team leaders.
Upon graduating from MSU in 2005 with a degree in sociology, McKinney went on to play in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts.
Beginning his professional career with the Chargers, he appeared in six games in 2006, including San Diego's AFC Divisional playoff matchup against the New England Patriots. In 2007, he appeared in 14 games for San Diego while making two starts and posting a career-high 35 tackles and one pass break up.
In 2008, McKinney signed with the Ravens. In 11 games, McKinney netted 19 tackles and a fumble recovery on a defense ranked No. 2 in the NFL on their way to an AFC Championship appearance. After a shortened 2009 season due to injury, McKinney returned to play in 11 games with four starts for Baltimore in 2010 and helped the Ravens reach the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs. In his last year with the Ravens, McKinney was part of the No. 3 ranked defense in the NFL while totaling 14 tackles and one forced fumble as Baltimore reached the AFC Divisional round for the second straight season.
He ended his NFL career in Indianapolis, spending parts of the 2012, 2013 and 2014 season on the Colts roster.
In addition to his passion for coaching, McKinney has established the BJ Kids 91 Foundation to provide programs and activities for the youth to cultivate social skills, life skills and social responsibilities while enhancing academic enrichment, health and well-being.
