D.K. McDonald was named the Philadelphia Eagles' assistant defensive backs coach during the 2021 offseason after spending 18 years (2003-20) coaching in the collegiate ranks.

D.K. McDonald was named the Philadelphia Eagles' assistant defensive backs coach during the 2021 offseason after spending 18 years (2003-20) coaching in the collegiate ranks.

Prior to joining the Eagles, McDonald spent five seasons at Iowa State, serving as the Cyclones' safeties coach (2019-20) and cornerbacks coach (2016-18). He played an essential role in Iowa State's improvement, as the program qualified for four straight bowl games and annually appeared in the national rankings from 2017-20.

In 2020, McDonald helped the Cyclones' defense finish second in the Big 12 in scoring defense (21.4 ppg) and total defense (340.4 ypg). He also mentored three safeties – Greg Eisworth, Lawrence White and Isheem Young – to all-conference honors. Eisworth became the first player in school history to earn first-team All-Big 12 accolades three times and Young was selected Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year after tying for the most forced fumbles (three) in the league and leading all conference freshmen in tackles (50).

During his time as Iowa State's cornerbacks coach, McDonald guided three players to a combined five All-Big 12 honors. One of his success stories was Brian Peavy, who earned first-team All-America recognition and was lauded as an all-conference performer for the fourth straight season in 2018. Peavy ranks as one of the best cornerbacks in Cyclones history, ending his career with 289 tackles, 44 passes defensed, six interceptions and six forced fumbles.

From 2012-15, McDonald worked with the University of Toledo's cornerbacks and was a part of three nine-win campaigns with the Rockets. In 2015, McDonald helped Toledo rank first in the MAC in scoring defense (21.1 ppg). One of his star cornerbacks, Cheatham Norrils, ended his senior season with the fifth-most passes defensed (13) in the league and also recorded 60 tackles and three interceptions en route to first-team all-conference honors.

McDonald helped the Rockets navigate season-ending injuries to seniors Cameron Cole and Norrils in 2014, as Toledo finished 9-4 and junior Christian Dukes led the team's cornerbacks with 62 tackles, 10 passes defensed and two interceptions. Additionally, the Rockets' defense ranked among the Top 25 nationally in fourth-down conversions (ninth), red zone efficiency (10th), interceptions (18th) and takeaways (25th) during McDonald's first season with the program in 2012.

McDonald served as the defensive backs coach at William & Mary during the 2011 season, following a five-year tenure (2006-10) as the secondary coach and recruiting coordinator at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With the Crimson Hawks, McDonald worked with Eagles head coach and former IUP wide receivers coach Nick Sirianni (2006-08). McDonald tutored a pair of All-Americans and five all-conference performers, highlighted by cornerback Akwasi Owusu-Ansah.

Before working with the Crimson Hawks, McDonald coached the secondary at his alma mater, Edinboro University (2003-06). During that time, he developed an All-American and four all-conference selections. In 2005, the Fighting Scots led the nation in scoring, rushing and total defense and ranked third in passing efficiency defense.

A native of Orville, OH, McDonald played cornerback and was a four-year starter at Edinboro from 1997-2000, finishing his career with 108 tackles, 34 passes defensed and four interceptions. He was a first-team All-PSAC West selection as a junior after totaling 29 tackles and registering a career-high 11 passes defensed.

McDonald, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in history, also served as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was an Erie, PA, area representative for the organization.

He and his wife, Kayla, have three daughters, Reagan, Margot, and Fiona.