Coaching Experience
• Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Cornell University (2013-present)
• Bill Walsh Minority NFL Coaching Fellowship, Philadelphia Eagles (Summer 2022)
• Bill Walsh Minority NFL Coaching Fellowship, Las Vegas Raiders (Summer 2021)
• Bill Walsh Minority NFL Coaching Fellowship, Chicago Bears (Summer 2019)
• Bill Walsh Minority NFL Coaching Fellowship, Pittsburgh Steelers (Summer 2012)
• Bill Walsh Minority NFL Coaching Fellowship, Kansas City Chiefs (Summer 2011)
• Assistant Coach, Colorado School of Mines (2011-12)
• Assistant Coach, Susquehanna University (2009-10)
• Assistant Coach, Temple University (2006-08)
Playing Experience
• Temple University (2001-04)
Education
• B.A., Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media, Temple University (2005)
At Cornell
Satyen Bhakta joined the Big Red in 2013 and has been a steady presence on the sidelines for the Big Red while working with the linebackers and the defensive line. He took over as the program’s recruiting coordinator in 2015 and has helped yield top classes in the Ivy League ever since.
In his first four seasons working with the defensive line, Cornell’s sacks increased and opponent’s yards per carry dropped. Jordan Landsman, Cyrus Nolan and Mason Banbury all developed into All-Ivy League candidates, while Seth Hope twice made the Capital One Academic All-America team, including capturing first-team honors in 2017. The team's 80 sacks over the last four years are the most in a four-year span since registering 83 from 2004-07.
In 2019, Cornell allowed its fewest rushing yards since 2005, more than halved the number of rushing touchdowns allowed from 2018 and matched the program's highest number of tackles for loss (55) since 2009.
Bhakta's middle linebacking charges, particularly Miles Norris and Jackson Weber, were among the team's most impactful defenders in 2014 and 2015. Norris became a two-year captain and Weber a four-year starter, with both ranking among the Ivy League’s leaders in tackles.
Bhakta played a large role in helping the Big Red transition from a 4-3 base to a 3-4 defense in 2013. His prized charge was two-time All-Ivy League selection Brett Buehler, a two-year team captain. Buehler led the team and ranked second in the Ivy League in stops with 103, twice as many as the Big Red’s second-leading tackler. A second-team all-conference pick, he graduated among the school’s top 20 career tacklers.
Prior to Cornell
Bhakta brought seven years of coaching experience at the Division I, II and III levels to Cornell.
Prior to joining the Big Red staff, he spent the two seasons at Division II Colorado School of Mines where he coached on the defensive line after spending two years with the defensive line at Susquehanna and three seasons at his alma mater, Temple, as the assistant defensive line coach. Bhakta spent two summers attending the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship, joining the Kansas City Chiefs (August of 2011) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (August of 2012).
In his two season at Colorado School of Mines, the Orediggers posted a 14-8 overall record and spent much of 2011 ranked nationally in Division II. The defense finished fourth in the RMAC in scoring defense (21.8 ppg), fourth in interceptions (18) and third in turnover margin after posting 24 total takeaways that season. In his second year, the defense posted 86 tackles for loss and 26 sacks in 11 games and created 31 turnovers.
Prior to his time out west, Bhakta was part of the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year in 2009 at Susquehanna. He coached a pair of all-league defensive linemen during his time at the Division III school and helped the 2009 squad qualify for the NCAA playoffs for the first time in 18 years as part of an 8-3 campaign.
Bhakta began his collegiate coaching career at Temple (2006-08) where he assisted in the development of seven defensive linemen who were either drafted of signed NFL contracts, including 2011 first round pick Muhammad Wilkerson.
Playing Career
A 2005 graduate of Temple with a degree in broadcasting, telecommunications and mass media, he played quarterback for the Owls from 2001-04 and lettered during the 2003 season. He was a three-sport athlete at Wissahickon HS in Ambler, Pa., competing in football, track and field and wrestling.
Personal
Bhakta and his wife Caroline reside in Ithaca with their three children, Mason, Bennett and Grace.
* Updated June 2024
