Mac Carruth is in his first year as the defensive line coach at his alma mater. A former standout linebacker for the GVSU, Carruth was most recently the defensive line coach at Saginaw Valley State.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Mac Carruth home to Grand Valley State,” said Wooster. “He has a unique coaching journey and his recent trajectory of the performance of his position group is incredible. Combine this with his experiences in Allendale, on campus, and in Lubbers Stadium; as well has his life experiences bring tremendous value to us and made this a perfect fit,” added Wooster.
Carruth joined the SVSU defensive staff in 2019 as a linebacker coach and moved to the primary defensive line coach in 2022. While leading the Cardinal defensive line he mentored and developed five players that earned All-GLIAC plaudits, including Leonard Henry being named the GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2024. The Cardinal defense ranked among the national leaders in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense during his tenure on the SVSU staff.
“It is great to be home,” said Carruth. “Grand Valley helped mold me into the man I am today. I am so blessed to serve these young men and work at this great university. I am very appreciative of this opportunity and Tradition never graduates,” added Carruth.
Prior to joining the Saginaw Valley State staff Carruth was a defensive coach at Bridgeport High School where he helped the program to its first playoff appearance in 18 years.
Carruth was an outstanding performer for the Lakers on the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker. He was a two-time All-GLIAC performer that tallied 187 career tackles, 20 tackles for loss (-71) and 13 pass deflections. GVSU was 54-2 during his career with four National Championships and four GLIAC titles. He was a member Saginaw High School’s State Championship team in 1999.
Carruth and his wife, Beyonca, are the proud parents of son Kameron (12) and infant daughter Ka’Mya Marlee.
