Veteran football coach Allen Cross said in a press release that he has accepted the position of defensive coordinator for the Denver Summit, an expansion franchise in the DFL.

Cross described the move as a new chapter in a coaching career he said has spanned more than 30 years, including 17 seasons in the NFL. He thanked owner Lila Grant, the Denver organization and others involved in the hiring process, saying the team had conveyed a commitment to “high standards, accountability, and a long-term vision for success.”

The announcement follows prior reporting that Cross was pursuing a defensive coordinator role in the DFL. His hiring gives the Summit an experienced assistant as the franchise works to establish its identity from the start.

In the release, Cross framed his coaching approach around preparation and discipline. He said that while talent matters, sustained success over a season depends on communication, trust and consistent execution. He also said building a strong defense requires a process rather than shortcuts, adding that he looked forward to helping players improve each day.

Cross’s public statement did not include contract details or a timeline for when he will begin in the role. The team also did not release additional information in the material provided beyond Cross’s comments announcing the hire.

According to biographical information provided with the release, Cross built his career through the small-college ranks after playing linebacker at Slippery Rock University. He later moved into the NFL, where he developed a reputation as a defensive teacher focused on tackling, gap discipline and effort.

That background could make him a notable addition for a new DFL club. Expansion teams typically face pressure to develop systems and culture quickly, and Cross emphasized that point directly in his statement to Denver fans. He said expansion franchises have a rare chance to build culture alongside their community and said he was excited to be part of that process.

Cross also addressed players in the release, saying his expectations would be high because he believes in their potential. He said his responsibility would be to put players in position to succeed, teach details that help win games and earn trust through consistent coaching.

The hiring also marks a return to an on-field leadership role after Cross had been seeking another opportunity. The background material accompanying the release said he had previously lost an NFL job amid cost-cutting that favored younger, less expensive assistants. It said Cross did not treat that period as retirement and remained intent on finding another coordinator opening.

For Denver, the move signals an emphasis on experience on the defensive side of the ball as the organization assembles its staff. Cross’s own statement repeatedly highlighted structure, accountability and long-term planning rather than immediate promises about results.

No comments from Grant or other Summit officials were included in the release. As a result, the clearest public picture of the hire comes from Cross’s account of the discussions and his description of the organization’s goals.

The Summit now add a coach with a long résumé and a defined philosophy as they continue building out an expansion roster and staff in the DFL. Cross ended his statement with a short message that underscored the immediate focus after the announcement: “Now it’s time to get to work.”