Gilberto Ortiz enters his fourth season on staff at UNC Pembroke as the Linebacker Coach for the 2026 season.
Ortiz has spent his time on the defensive coaching staff, working with multiple position groups starting with assistant defensive line coach in 2023 and 2024 before taking over the linebacker room in 2025. Off the field, his time is spent reviewing film and preparing weekly opponent reports. On game days, he assists with signaling defensive plays and position rotations. He also directly assists the special team coordinator throughout the year, allowing him to impact two of three phases of the game while coaching outside of his position regularly. He enjoys recruiting players across multiple areas, and works during the summer for Mark Hall Football Camps LLC. Ortiz has played an integral role in developing the defensive unit, helping produce five All-Conference linebackers and three consecutive seasons with a team leader in tackles. His coaching contributions have also helped develop two conference Defensive Players of the Year - Jamae Blank (2023 MEC DPOY) and Isi Etute (2025 CC DPOY). Ortiz played an integral role in the team setting three season school records (tackles for loss, individual tackles for loss, individual sacks) during his first season in 2023.Â
Ortiz is proficient in HUDL, Microsoft, and VISIO and holds CPR and First Aid certifications earned through the UNC Pembroke athletic training staff. He takes pride in helping build a culture of discipline, accountability, and sustained success within the program.
Ortiz earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Chowan University in December 2021. He received his master's degree in sports administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in December 2024.
Ortiz played for head coach Mark Hall at Chowan in 2021 where he earned All-Conference honors as a defensive end. He served as the defensive team captain and he led the team in tackles.Â
Ortiz and his wife, Geena, have one daughter, Greyson.
Updated: November 2026
