Football
- Title:
- Defensive Line Coach | 7th Season
Zarnell Fitch joined the TCU football staff in June 2014 as director of high school relations and was promoted to defensive line coach in January 2016.
Since being named defensive line coach, Fitch has helped TCU lead the Big 12 in combined sacks over the last five seasons while consistently ranking among the national leaders each year. Four Horned Frog defensive tackles have received All-Big 12 recognition with the latest being Terrell Cooper in 2020.
The 2019 Horned Frogs topped the Big 12 in nearly all major defensive statistical categories for the third straight season. Under Fitch's guidance, defensive tackle Ross Blacklock earned first-team All-Big 12 honors before becoming a second-round draft pick of the Houston Texans. Additionally, Corey Bethley was named honorable-mention All-Big 12 for the second consecutive season.
Fitch was a 2017 finalist for National Defensive Line Coach of the Year by FootballScoop.com. TCU's 42 sacks in 2017 were 11 more than any other conference team. The Horned Frogs were also fifth in the nation in run defense, allowing just 103.9 yards per game. The 2017 campaign saw Blacklock and Bethley earn Freshman All-America honors with Blacklock selected by the conference head coaches as the Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year.
Fitch was a two-year letterman (2004-05) on the defensive line for TCU before playing two seasons in the NFL. He spent three years, including the 2013 campaign as head coach, on the football staff at Lincoln High School in Dallas, where he coached TCU wide receiver Emanuel Porter.
While at Lincoln, Fitch was also a special education teacher.
Fitch graduated from TCU in May 2006 with a communications degree and minor in social work. He then worked as a graduate assistant at TCU in both football and academic services.
After his NFL career, Fitch played an additional two seasons in arena football.
Fitch recorded two interceptions his senior year with the Horned Frogs. The second pick came in his final game, a diving grab in the EV1.net Houston Bowl win over Iowa State.
Fitch started three games at nose tackle while playing in all 12 contests in the 2005 campaign.
Fitch and his wife, Mollie, have three sons, Zarnell III, Hunter and King, and two daughters, Haylee and Hope.
