After four seasons directing the Redskins' defensive line, Greg Blache was named defensive coordinator on January 26, 2008.

Blache takes over a Redskins defense that re-established itself in 2007, finishing eighth overall and third in the NFL in total defense.

Blache's defensive units have always had a reputation for being aggressive and physical.

"Greg is an outstanding coach whose defenses are among the best in the league year after year," head coach Jim Zorn said. "His experience, knowledge and preparation make him one of the top defensive minds in the NFL. His game plans always put players in the best possible position to succeed."

In three of the last four seasons, Blache has helped oversee a Redskins' defense that has finished in the Top 10 in overall defense (3rd in 2004; 9th in 2005; and eighth in 2007).

Last year, the defense climbed 23 spots from its previous overall ranking in 2006 (31st in 2006, eighth in 2007). Only the Tennessee Titans' defense showed a greater improvement in that span (32nd-ranked unit to fifth overall in 2007).

Blache's blueprint for success starts up front. His defensive line played a pivotal role as Washington finished fourth in the NFL in rush yardage allowed (91.3 avg.) in 2007, jumping 23 spots from its previous ranking in 2006 (27th in 2006, 4th in 2007).

The defense turned in some of its most inspired play during its four-game winning streak in December 2007, en route to an NFC Wild Card playoff berth.

The defensive line played a key role in a pair of late-season wins at Minnesota and against Dallas. Washington's front line limited the Vikings' top-rated rushing attack to just 87 yards and stifled NFL Rookie of the Year running back Adrian Peterson to just 27 yards.

The following week, the Redskins limited the Cowboys to a franchise low one yard rushing as a team. Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber finished with minus-6 yards rushing on six carries.

Throughout the season, Blache emphasized pressure on the quarterback and his defensive line improved from 13 sacks in 2005 to 25 last year. (Overall, the Redskins' defense improved from 19 sacks in 2006 to 33 last year.)

Andre Carter led the way with 10.5 sacks, while Marcus Washington, lining up at defensive end in pass-rushing situations, had five sacks. Promising first-year player Chris Wilson had four sacks in the regular season and added one more in the Redskins' playoff game at Seattle.

Blache saw potential in 2006 fifth-round draft pick Anthony Montgomery and 2006 sixth-round draft pick Kedric Golston--and both defensive tackles emerged as starting-caliber linemen the last two seasons. Golston started 13 games in 2006, while Montgomery started all 16 games opposite veteran Cornelius Griffin last year. Montgomery finished with 47 tackles (35 solo), five tackles for a loss, a half-sack and two fumble recoveries in 2007.

In 2005, Blache's defensive line helped the Redskins finish ninth overall in total defense. In his first season with the Redskins in 2004, Blache made an immediate impact as Washington's defensive unit finished third overall and second in rush yardage allowed (81.5-yard average). It represented the best overall ranking since Washington's defense finished atop the league in rushing yards allowed with 80.6 yards per game in 1983.

Prior to joining the Redskins, Blache spent five seasons with the Chicago Bears as defensive coordinator. During his tenure, Blache's defenses forced 138 turnovers, including 37 in 2001, the most by a Bears defense since 1990, and accounted for 13 touchdowns (two in 1999, four in 2000, five in 2001, one in 2002, and one in 2003).

In 2003, Blache's defense finished the season fifth in the NFC in total defense, and 14th in the NFL, the team's highest league overall-ranking since 1998.

In 2002, Blache dealt with numerous injuries to the Bears defense, leading to 11 different starting lineups over the course of 16 games. While juggling personnel, the Bears defense continued with their attacking, aggressive style that set records during the 2001 season.

They forced 64 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 2002 and forced at least one turnover in 33 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak in the NFL at that time.

In 2001, Blache molded the Bears defense into one of the top units in the league, producing the top-ranked scoring defense by allowing only 203 points in 16 games (12.7 points per game). His run defense finished second in the NFL and first in the NFC, allowing just 82.1 yards per game, while allowing only three rushes of 20 yards or more all seasons and only six rushing touchdowns.

Prior to joining the Bears, Blache served as defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts for five seasons (1994-98) and held the same position with the Green Bay Packers for six years (1988-93).

In addition to his pro coaching experience, Blache has held positions with several college programs. He began his coaching career as a defensive assistant at his alma mater Notre Dame in 1968.

Following his graduation in 1971, Blache stayed on as a graduate assistant and then as an assistant coach for the Fighting Irish for four more seasons (1972-75).

He moved on to join Tulane's staff in 1976, where he coached the offensive line (1976-77), outside linebackers (1978-79) and defensive backs (1980). He then returned to Notre Dame to coach the running backs (1981), defensive line and outside linebackers (1982-83).

After spending 1984-85 as defensive coordinator of the USFL's Jacksonville Bulls, he returned to the college ranks at Southern University (1986) and Kansas (1987).

Blache started his college career as a defensive back for Notre Dame, but a leg injury ended his playing career prematurely.

He earned his bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in secondary education, both from Notre Dame.

A New Orleans native, Blache and his wife, Lynn, have six children: Greg Jr., Jennifer, Christopher, Sarah, Corrine and Matthew. They live in Leesburg, Va.