Xavier Adibi


Xavier Oyekola Adibi is an American football coach and former player. He is the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M University–Commerce, a position he has held since December 2018. Adibi played professionally as a linebacker in the National Football League with the Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Titans. After playing college football at Virginia Tech, he was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Early years

Adibi attended and played high school football at Phoebus High School in Hampton, Virginia, and graduated in 2003.
He helped the Phantoms win their first state championship. Phoebus' first undefeated season came during Adibi's senior year where the Phantoms won their second consecutive state championship. Adibi rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns in the 2002 state football game, while playing fullback, with future college teammate, D. J. Parker, as the quarterback.
Following his high school career, Adibi played in the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

College career

Adibi played college football at Virginia Tech. As a redshirt freshman in 2004, Adibi backed up Mikal Baquee. He was injured during the first game against USC and returned for a Thursday night game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Against Georgia Tech, Adibi had a prolific game, making eight tackles, including two sacks. He had a key game-saving sack on a Georgia Tech fourth quarter scoring drive. Georgia Tech had an opportunity to ice the game away, but Adibi's sack of Reggie Ball forced a field goal and kept it a one-score game, which Virginia Tech would ultimately rally to win.
Adibi earned the starting inside linebacker spot before the 2005 season and has held that position ever since.
In 2006, Adibi finished second on the team in tackles with 82. Following a 17-0 shutout of Virginia, he was honored as the ACC defensive lineman of the week for his performance, which included a forced fumble to set up the first touchdown.

Professional career

Adibi was drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. On September 5, 2011, Adibi was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings.
On August 11, 2012, Adibi signed with the Chicago Bears. He was released on August 31, 2012.
On October 24, 2012, the Tennessee Titans signed Adibi.

Personal life

Adibi's older brother, Nathaniel Adibi, was a standout defensive end for the Hokies. Their father, Abiodun Adibi, was a college soccer player at Oklahoma State and is a professor at Hampton University.