DJ McCarthy enters his first season at FIU, coaching wide receivers for the Panthers.
McCarthy comes to the Panthers after spending this past season at FAU and has nearly 20 years of coaching experience in the college and NFL ranks.
McCarthy will make the short trip from Boca Raton to Miami and brings the unique distinction of owning a national title as both a player (Washington) and as a coach (LSU). While at FAU, McCarthy coached the wide receivers and was responsible for both kick and punt returns for the Owls. McCarthy helped the Owls top the conference in total offense, passing offense and scoring, while ranking Top 10 nationally for all three categories.
McCarthy has also had other collegiate stops at Florida A&M (2016), Bethune Cookman (2012-15), LSU (2007-10), UCLA (2006), UCF (2004-05) and Nevada (2000-03). While with LSU, McCarthy was the top recruiter with the Tigers and helped lead the Bayou Bengals to a national title in 2007. During his collegiate tenure, McCarthy has developed NFL talents such as Brandon Marshall (UCF), Nate Burleson (Nevada), Earley Doucet (LSU), Brandon LaFell (LSU) and Terrence Toliver (LSU).
Aside from his collegiate coaching experience, McCarthy also has spent time with the Edmonton Eskimos (2018) and Oakland Raiders (1998-2000). With the Raiders, McCarthy assisted with the defensive secondary and special teams as he helped coach NFL greats like Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard and Eric Allen.
McCarthy graduated from the University of Washington in 1994, where he played receiver for the Huskies for three seasons. He was a member of the 1991 National Championship team and was part of two Rose Bowl teams. Prior to transferring to Washington, he attended Long Beach City College for two years.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island and a native of Boca Raton, Florida, McCarthy and his wide Trisha have three sons, Guy, Nathan and Dillon.
