Tyler Yelk was named a defensive assistant by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2025 offseason. Overall, he enters his third year as a member of the coaching staff after originally joining the team in 2023.
In 2024, Yelk helped a coaching staff that led the Eagles to an NFL-record-tying 18 regular-season and postseason wins en route to defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX. Philadelphia ranked first in the league in total defense (278.4 ypg), passing defense (174.2 ypg), defensive points allowed per game (16.9), opponent three-and-out percentage (39.0 pct.) and forced fumbles (18, tied). Including playoffs, the Eagles totaled the most combined rushing yards (3,866) in NFL history. Overall, Philadelphia generated performances by six All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowlers.
As the Eagles' assistant to the head coach during the 2023 campaign, Yelk supported the team to an 11-6 record and playoff appearance while supporting eight Pro Bowlers and four All-Pro honorees.
In 2022, Yelk coached the safeties at Idaho and assisted a defense that led the conference and tied for fifth overall in the FCS in interceptions (16). Additionally, the Vandals finished second among Big Sky teams in total defense (336.8 ypg) as well as third in passing defense (190.0 ypg).
Prior to his arrival at Idaho, Yelk spent three seasons at Temple, where he coached the safeties (2020-21) and nickels (2019). He tutored Sam Franklin, who was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, for his senior season that included 68 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Yelk worked with the safeties at Northern Illinois in 2018. He mentored Mykelti Williams to All-MAC honors and helped the Huskies rank first in the conference in both scoring defense and total defense, in addition to winning the MAC Championship.
During the 2016-17 seasons, Yelk served as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at South Dakota. In 2017, the Coyotes ranked 12th nationally in sacks (led the Missouri Valley Football Conference) and finished 8-5, advancing to the second round of the FCS playoffs. Overall, five defensive players collected All-MVFC honors during his tenure.
Yelk coached the defensive backs and special teams units at Western Illinois from 2013-14 before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2015. In his final year with the Leathernecks, Western Illinois made the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2010 and led the MVFC in takeaways (11th in the nation) and interceptions (seventh in the nation).
Yelk began his coaching career at his alma mater, Minnesota-Duluth, in 2009. In total, he spent four seasons with the Bulldogs, working with the defensive backs each year while also taking on special teams coordinator duties in 2012. In 2010, when Minnesota-Duluth claimed the NCAA Division II title with an undefeated season, Yelk became the first Bulldog to win a national championship as both a player and coach.
Yelk was an All-American defensive back at Minnesota-Duluth and finished his career as the program's career leader in tackles. He led the team in tackles in three seasons, including as a freshman and during the Bulldogs' 2008 undefeated championship campaign as well.
A native of Arlington, WI, Yelk earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's of education from Minnesota-Duluth. He and his wife, Elyce, have two daughters, Leighton and Penelope.
