Glenn M. Pires is an American football coach. He is currently the linebackers coach for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League.
Biography[]
He was born the son of Margaret Silva and maternal grandson of Maria O. "Nanny" (Oliveira) Silva, who was born in Brava, Cape Verde. A New Bedford, Massachusetts native, Pires was a three-year letter winner in both football and track. At New Bedford he was an offensive guard and linebacker who played on several postseason all-star teams. He later starred as a member of the Springfield College football team, becoming a two-year Division 2 All-ECAC and All-New England selection.
Pires was a field man with the track and field teams at New Bedford High and Springfield College. Pires was a Southeastern Massachusetts Conference champion in both the shot put and discus and a Class A and All State finalist in the discus. His throw of 170-9 remains a New Bedford record. In 1979, he was the Division 2 National Champion in the 35-pound weight hammer throw.
He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Melrose High School. He followed that by becoming an assistant to his former high school coach, Bruce MacPherson, at New Bedford. Pires then moved on the collegiate level at Syracuse, Dartmouth, and Michigan State. His NFL career started as an assistant linebackers coach with the Arizona Cardinals from 1996-2000. He switched franchises, but stayed in the same position when he joined the Detroit Lions.
Based on all of these achievements, Pires (Class of 1976) was inducted into the New Bedford High School Hall of Fame on 11 May 2002.
After his time with the Lions, Pires was then taken by the Miami Dolphins as linebackers coach. Pires is currently the Linebackers Coach for the Falcons.
Pires is married to Lynn Caron and has two children, Michael and Jackie and are currently attending Springfield College .
External links[]
- Miami Dolphins Coaching Staff Profile
- Cape Verdean Coach in the NFL
- Maria O. Silva's obituary; Pire's maternal grandmother
- Article about the New Bedford Hall of Fame