"Up and Comer" Potential DC Thread

[Merlin]

As we wait for some sort of move by the Rams (it does seem like maybe McVay is waiting for the national championship game to finish) I figured I'd throw up some potentials starting with some assistants around the league who haven't been DC yet but have been under good DCs and coaching staffs with some success.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Caldwell enters his third season with the Buccaneers in 2021.

www.buccaneers.com

Mike Caldwell enters his first season with the Buccaneers in 2019.

Caldwell joins Tampa Bay after having spent the past four seasons working as the assistant head coach/inside linebackers coach with the New York Jets under current Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles, then the Jets’ head coach. During Caldwell’s time with the Jets, the team posted one of the best run defenses in the NFL, holding teams to just 4.00 yards per carry, the sixth-lowest figure in the NFL during that span. In Caldwell’s first season with the Jets, his unit was part of a defense that set a franchise record with just 83.4 rushing yards allowed per game.

Under Caldwell’s guidance, Jets linebackers excelled, posting some of the best statistical seasons of their careers. In 2018, Avery Williamson – a free agent addition to the Jets – led the team in tackles, posting a career-high 120, while chipping in 3.0 sacks to go along with career bests in passes defensed (six) and forced fumbles (two). The 2017 season saw Demario Davis post a career-best 135 tackles, while establishing a then-career high with 5.0 sacks.

Before his time with the Jets, Caldwell spent two seasons coaching linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals (2013-14). The Cardinals’ 2013 unit led the NFL in run defense (84.4 yards allowed per game) while posting the sixth-best overall defense.

Caldwell began his coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles, working first as a training camp intern (2007) before spending two seasons as a defensive quality control coach (2008-09). He then spent the 2010 season as the Eagles’ assistant linebackers coach before being elevated to linebackers coach, a position he held for two seasons (2011-12).

An 11-year NFL veteran, Caldwell played with the Cleveland Browns (1993-95), Baltimore Ravens (1996), Arizona Cardinals (1997), Philadelphia Eagles (1998-2001), Chicago Bears (2002) and Carolina Panthers (2003).

He and his wife, Sue, have three children – two daughters, Sydnei and Saniah, and a son, Simeon. His daughter Sydnei is a freshman basketball player at Arizona State University.

 

[Merlin]

Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers

Joined the Packers on Jan. 25, 2019. Coached LB Za'Darius Smith the past two seasons (2019-20) as he totaled 26 sacks, the most by a player in his first two seasons with the Packers and tied for No. 3 in the NFL over that span. Oversaw the NFL's most pro

www.packers.com

Entering his seventh season as a coach in the NFL, Mike Smith begins his first year with the Packers in 2019 as the club’s outside linebackers coach.

Named to his position on Jan. 25, 2019, by Head Coach Matt LaFleur, Smith comes to Green Bay after spending the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, having served as outside linebackers coach in 2018 and as the assistant defensive line coach in 2016-17.

Smith’s first NFL coaching experience came with the N.Y. Jets, where he worked as a coaching intern for two seasons (2010-11) and the outside linebackers coach in 2012. He also brings four years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, with three seasons at his alma mater, Texas Tech (2013-15), and one season at the University of Hawaii (2009).

In 2018, Smith tutored LB Dee Ford, who was tied for No. 2 among NFL linebackers with a career-high 13 sacks on his way to earning Pro Bowl recognition for the first time in his career. Ford was also tied for the league lead (Texans DE J.J. Watt) with a career-best seven forced fumbles, tied for the second most in a season in franchise history behind only LB Derrick Thomas (eight in 1992).
Smith also coached veteran LB Justin Houston in 2018, helping him register nine sacks and five forced fumbles in 12 games of action. Ford and Houston became the first Kansas City duo to both register five-plus forced fumbles in the same season since DEs Jared Allen and Tamba Hali accomplished the feat in 2006. Ford and Houston joined Broncos LBs Von Miller and Bradley Chubb as the only teammate duo in the NFL in 2018 to both register nine-plus sacks on the season.
Smith’s outside linebackers helped the Kansas City defense tie for the league lead with 52 sacks in 2018, the third most in franchise history as the Chiefs led the NFL in the category for the first time since 1990. Kansas City’s defense led the league with 23 forced fumbles in ’18, the most by the Chiefs since they recorded the same number in 2006.

In 2017, Smith worked as the assistant defensive line coach, helping tutor a line that produced 11½ sacks and 21 tackles for a loss. DL Chris Jones ranked No. 2 on the team with 6½ sacks, three of which came in a Week 2 contest vs. Philadelphia as he became the first Chiefs defensive lineman to record three sacks in a game since 2010. Jones earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Eagles, one that included two forced fumbles and his first career interception.

In 2016, Smith assisted with a defensive line that helped limit opponents to an average of 19.4 points per game, good for No. 7 in the NFL. He played an instrumental role in the development of Jones, who played in all 16 games with 11 starts and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. The defensive line also helped the Chiefs rank No. 1 in the league in takeaways (33), No. 5 in red-zone defense (49.1 percent) and tied for No. 6 in TDs allowed (34).

Prior to his arrival in Kansas City, Smith coached at his alma mater, Texas Tech, for three seasons (2013-15). He served as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach in 2015 after working as the interim defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach in 2014. Under his guidance in ’14, junior LB Pete Robertson, who is currently with the Arizona Cardinals, led the Big 12 and was tied for No. 7 in the country with 12 sacks on his way to earning first-team All-Big 12 honors from The Associated Press. Smith served as the co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach in his first season with the Red Raiders in 2013, helping the defense nearly double its takeaway total from the previous season.

Smith worked the previous three seasons for the New York Jets, coaching the outside linebackers in 2012 and serving as a coaching intern in 2010-11. In 2012, he was part of a staff that helped the Jets rank No. 2 in the league in passing yards allowed (189.8 ypg) and opponent completion percentage (53.8) and No. 7 in opponent passer rating (78.2). Smith helped tutor LB Aaron Maybin in 2011, who led the Jets with six sacks and four forced fumbles in only 13 games of action. Smith was part of a defensive staff that helped New York rank No. 3 in the league in total defense (291.5 ypg), run defense (90.9 ypg) and yards allowed per carry (3.56) in 2010 as the Jets advanced to the AFC Championship Game.

Smith’s coaching career began in 2009 when he served as the linebackers coach at the University of Hawaii, where he tutored LB Blake Soares, who posted a team-high 107 tackles (58 solo) on his way to earning first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors.

Smith was a four-year letterwinner as a linebacker at Texas Tech, where he was named team MVP and captain as a senior in 2004. At the time of his graduation, he was one of just five Texas Tech players to have appeared in 50-plus career games. He was tied for the team lead with 83 tackles as a senior, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention as he helped lead the Red Raiders to an 8-4 overall record and an upset win over No. 4-ranked California in the Holiday Bowl.

Smith was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round (No. 234 overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft and went on to play from 2005-07 for the Ravens before his career was cut short due to injuries in 2008.

Born Sept. 2, 1981, in Lubbock, Texas, Smith earned a degree in communication studies at Texas Tech. He and his wife, Emily, have two daughters, Kennedy and Finley, and a son, Weston.

 

[Loyal]

crapshoot.

 

[Merlin]

The Official Website of the Buffalo Bills

www.buffalobills.com

Bills are lazy and have a linked pdf file, so see link. This guy has experience with the Texans prior to the Bills.

 

[Merlin]

crapshoot.

Yep. I'm just bored and tired of not seeing news.

 

[Merlin]

Ravens

Mike Macdonald enters his first season as the team’s linebackers coach. Now in his fifth year with the Ravens, Macdonald previously spent time as the team’s defensive backs coach (2017) and as a defensive assistant (2015-16). He originally joined Baltimor

www.baltimoreravens.com

Mike Macdonald enters his first season as the team’s linebackers coach. Now in his fifth year with the Ravens, Macdonald previously spent time as the team’s defensive backs coach (2017) and as a defensive assistant (2015-16). He originally joined Baltimore in 2014 as a defensive coaching intern. In 2017, alongside secondary coach Chris Hewitt, Macdonald helped guide a defensive backfield that contributed to the NFL’s most INTs (22) and forced turnovers (34). In 2016, Macdonald worked with then-secondary coach and current Bills’ defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, helping guide a unit that finished seventh overall (322.1 ypg) and produced a league-leading (tied, KC & SD) 18 interceptions. During the 2015 campaign, Macdonald worked closely with defensive coordinator (then-inside linebackers coach) Don Martindale. Macdonald was a graduate assistant at Georgia (2011-13) while earning his master’s in sports management.

2014-17: (with Baltimore) 2017: The Ravens’ defense led the league with both 22 INTs and 34 forced turnovers...Baltimore finished second in the NFL in defensive passer rating (72.4) and defensive TDs (5)...The Ravens allowed 18.9 points per game (sixth in NFL) and recorded 3 shutouts, which was the most in a season since the 2003 Patriots...S Eric Weddle earned his second-straight (fifth overall) Pro Bowl nod after posting a team-high 6 INTs. 2016: Worked with a secondary that helped the Ravens' defense finish first in the league with 18 INTs (tied with SD and KC)...Weddle earned his fourth-career Pro Bowl nod in his first year with the Ravens after posting 89 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF and a team-leading 4 INTs (tied, LB C.J. Mosley)...The Ravens had eight different players intercept at least one pass, and their defense finished ranked seventh overall (322.1 ypg). 2015: Assisted inside linebackers coach Don Martindale in mentoring ILBs Daryl Smith and Mosley, who combined to produce the NFL’s second-most tackles (493) between teammates during the 2014-15 seasons...Smith’s team-leading 121 total stops ranked 10th in the league...Named defensive assistant.

2014: Worked with a secondary that battled injuries (six DBs were placed on Injured Reserve) to help Baltimore allow the NFL’s sixth-fewest points (18.9 ppg) and eighth-fewest yards (336.9) per game...Entered the NFL ranks as a Ravens’ coaching intern (defense).

2011-13: (with Georgia) 2013: Helped mentor ILB Ramik Wilson, who earned first-team All-SEC honors by media and coaches after posting a conference-leading 133 total tackles, including 11 TFL.

2012: Helped guide a Georgia defense that allowed 175.6 passing yards and 19.6 points per game, ranking eighth and 18th, respectively, in the nation. 2011: Named defensive graduate assistant following the spring game and helped produce one of the nation’s top-ranked units in total (277.0 ypg, fifth), pass (176.0, 10th) and rush (101.2, 11th) defense...Originally joined the Bulldogs as a student assistant in May 2010, helping coach and coordinate offensive scout team during his first season...Worked primarily with OLBs before shifting to ILBs during the 2011 spring practice.

2008-09: (with Cedar Shoals – Athens, GA – HS) While attending Georgia, coached the linebackers and running backs under head coach Xarvia Smith, for whom he played at Centennial (Roswell, GA) HS...Earned the staff’s Coach of the Year award following his first season with the Jaguars.

COLLEGE: Graduated summa cum laude with a finance degree from Georgia’s Terry College of Business in 2010...Earned his master’s degree in sports management from Georgia in 2013, while serving as safeties and defensive quality control coach for the Bulldogs.

PERSONAL: Was a two-sport (football and baseball) athlete at Centennial (Roswell, GA) HS

 

[Merlin]

Jerry Olsavsky

Jerry Olsavsky is in his seventh season as the team's inside linebackers coach. Olsavsky was promoted to his current position on February 6, 2015. Olsavsky's inside linebackers room developed a next-man-up mentality in 2020 with a season-ending injury to

www.steelers.com

Jerry Olsavsky is in his fifth season as the team’s inside linebackers coach. Olsavsky was promoted to his current position on February 6, 2015.

Two veteran inside linebackers, one a new face to the Steelers’ defensive unit, led Olsavsky’s room. Vince Williams, in his sixth season with Pittsburgh, led all linebackers with 76 total tackles (50 solo) starting all of his 14 games played in 2018, adding 4.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. Jon Bostic, during the 2018 offseason, made 73 tackles (46 solo) in his first year with the Steelers, along with 2.5 sacks.

The inside linebacking unit was faced with adversity three quarters of the way through the 2017 season. Ryan Shazier, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection, was tied for the most interceptions among AFC linebackers (3), tied for second among all AFC defensive players in solo tackles (68) and leading all NFL linebackers with 11 passes defensed before he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 13. Despite losing Shazier, the inside linebacking corps continued to play at a high level.
Vince Williams finished second on the Steelers with a career-high 8.0 sacks and registered a single-season best 88 tackles to finish third on the team’s defense while starting all 16 regular-season games.

Tyler Matakevich scored the team’s first points of the 2017 season by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone in Week One. He led the special teams unit in tackles for the second consecutive season with 14.

In 2016, the inside linebacker unit was led by Shazier and Lawrence Timmons. Including the postseason, Shazier totaled 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was named a Pro Bowl alternate for his efforts.

Counting the postseason, Timmons totaled 143 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. The 2016 season marked the fifth straight year Timmons recorded at least 100 tackles, and it marked the fourth straight season that he led the team in tackles.

Olsavsky also guided Matakevich, a rookie inside linebacker, who led the Steelers with 12 special teams tackles during the 2016 regular season.

In 2015, Shazier finished second on the team in tackles, while adding 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, despite missing four games due to various injuries. In Week 2 vs. San Francisco, Shazier had a breakout game, recording 15 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Shazier also led the team in tackles (20) and forced fumbles (2) during the postseason.

Another member of Olsavsky’s group, Vince Williams, led the team with 11 special teams during the 2015 regular season.

Prior to his promotion, Olsavsky was a defensive assistant for five seasons. He assisted all areas of the defensive staff in their daily operations. In Olsavsky’s five years as a defensive assistant, the Steelers’ defense ranked top-two in the league in total defense three times, including back-to-back years (2011-12) as the number-one ranked defense.

A 10-year NFL veteran, Olsavsky spent seven seasons coaching linebackers for Youngstown State University. Prior to coaching at Youngstown State, Olsavsky spent one year as an assistant strength coach at the University of North Carolina. He also coached at his alma mater, Chaney High School in Youngstown and at Duquesne University.

Olsavsky, was selected by the Steelers in the 10th round (258th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft, and played linebacker from 1989-97. He saw action in 108 games for the Steelers, making 227 tackles, while also excelling on special teams. Olsavsky battled back from a career threatening knee injury in 1993 and helped lead the Steelers to a berth in Super Bowl XXX. In 1995, he was the recipient of the Steelers’ Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to the Steeler that overcomes many obstacles to achieve great success on the field. Olsavsky finished his playing career in 1998 with the Baltimore Ravens.

Playing collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh, Olsavsky was a first-team Kodak All-American as a senior in 1988, when he made 129 tackles. He became the Panthers’ first defensive player since 1976 to record more than 100 tackles in three consecutive seasons. He earned his degree in information science in 1990.

Olsavsky was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and he resides in Pittsburgh with his three children, Joseph, Emma and Dominic.

1999
Thomas Jefferson High School (Jefferson Hills, Pa.)
Volunteer

2000
Chaney High School (Youngstown, Ohio)
Volunteer

2001
Duquesne University
Volunteer

2002
University of North Carolina
Assistant Strength Coach

2003-2009
Youngstown State University
Linebackers Coach

2010-2014* Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive Assistant*

2015-19* Pittsburgh Steelers
Inside Linebackers*

 

[Merlin]

Official New England Patriots News and Analysis

Steve Belichick enters his fourth season working with the linebackers following four seasons coaching in the secondary and four years as a coaching assistant.

www.patriots.com

COACHING
Steve Belichick enters his first season season with the New England Patriots as secondary, safeties coach following three seasons as safeties coach and four years as a coaching assistant.
Under his guidance in 2018, the Patriots safeties were part of a defense that held the L.A. Rams to a Super Bowl record-tying low three points en route to a victory in Super Bowl LIII. Duron Harmon also duplicated his performance from the previous season by leading the team and tying a career-high with four interceptions. In 2017, the Patriots safeties played a critical role within a unit that finished fifth in the NFL by allowing 18.5 points per game. Devin McCourty was also selected to his fourth career Pro Bowl under Belichick’s instruction.

PLAYING
After playing four years of lacrosse at Rutgers, Belichick walked on to the football team as a long snapper to help in preparations for a career in coaching. He was a three-year starter at linebacker, tight end and fullback as well as a long snapper at The Rivers School in Weston, Mass., before heading to Rutgers.

 

[Merlin]

Official Site of the Los Angeles Rams

Aubrey Pleasant is in his third season with the Los Angeles Rams as the cornerbacks coach in 2019.

www.therams.com

Aubrey Pleasant is in his third season with the Los Angeles Rams as the cornerbacks coach in 2019.
Pleasant played an integral role in implementing defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme in his first two seasons in L.A. With the guidance of Pleasant, five different cornerbacks have recorded at least two interceptions in a season, including Marcus Peters (3) and Troy Hill (2) in 2018.

As a unit, the Rams defense forced 28 takeaways, including 18 interceptions, tied for the sixth-highest interception total in 2017. L.A. scored 126 points off of takeaways, which was the second- most points off takeaways two seasons ago.

Prior to joining the Rams, Pleasant spent four seasons with the Washington Redskins from 2013-2016. He served as an offensive assistant in his first season in Washington in 2013 before transitioning to the defensive side of the ball prior to the 2014 season and working extensively with the team’s defensive backs.

In 2015, Pleasant played a pivotal role in assisting Defensive Backs Coach Perry Fewell with a secondary that was besieged by injuries throughout the season. Pleasant aided in the transition of Quinton Dunbar, who joined the Redskins as a college free agent wide receiver before switching to cornerback in the middle of training camp. Dunbar played in 11 games, making one start and intercepting Giants quarterback Eli Manning in a crucial Week 12 victory during the Redskins’ NFC East championship season. Pleasant also assisted in the midseason transition of 12-year NFL veteran DeAngelo Hall from cornerback to safety and the rapid development of sixth-round pick Kyshoen Jarrett, a safety who also contributed significantly at nickel after volunteering for the role in camp.

Pleasant transitioned to the defensive side of the ball in 2014 after spending his first season with the Redskins as an offensive assistant. In 2014, he assisted Defensive Backs Coach Raheem Morris and played a significant role in the development of fourth-round pick Bashaud Breeland. With Pleasant’s guidance, Breeland started 15 games – third-most by a rookie cornerback in Redskins history behind only Champ Bailey (16 in 1999) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green (16 in 1983) – and tied for the NFL rookie lead in passes defensed (14).

Pleasant was an offensive staff/head coach intern for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Redskins. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he spent two years with the University of Michigan as a defensive graduate assistant, helping the team appear in back-to-back bowl games. With Pleasant working specifically with the defensive backs in 2011, Michigan allowed 190.5 yards passing per game and 17.4 points per game, ranking No. 16 and sixth in the nation, respectively. Michigan’s total defense improved to No. 17 in the nation (322.2 ypg.) after ranking No. 110 (450.8 ypg.) the year prior to Pleasant’s arrival. Michigan’s defense allowed only 12 touchdown passes, led the Big Ten with 29 takeaways and tied for first in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with 20 fumble recoveries.

In 2012, Pleasant was promoted to Assistant Defensive Backs Coach, helping Michigan’s total defense (320.0 ypg.) and passing yards allowed (169.5 ypg.) improve to No. 13 and No. 5 in the country, respectively. Following Michigan’s 2012 season, Pleasant was one of 30 coaches nationwide invited to the NCAA Future Football Coaches Academy in San Antonio.
Pleasant coached defensive backs at Grand Blanc (Mich.) H.S. in 2010 and was a behavioral specialist/special needs teacher in the Flint Community School District. His duties included working directly with cognitively-impaired and academically-neglected adult students to help educate them within the Flint school district.

Pleasant was a three-year letterman at Wisconsin from 2005- 08, appearing in 41 career games with 14 starts at safety. He finished his collegiate career with 80 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and appeared in four consecutive bowl games: Capital One (2005 and 2006), Outback (2007) and Champs Sports (2008). Pleasant received a master’s degree in education while coaching at Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Wisconsin in 2009.
Pleasant is a native of Flint, Mich., where he graduated from the city’s Montrose H.S., receiving Class B all-state honorable mention honor at safety his senior year. He attended Flint Northern H.S. and earned all-city running back honors as a sophomore.

 

[Merlin]

Dave Aranda

lsusports.net

Dave Aranda, widely considered one of the top defensive minds in all of football, enters his fourth season as LSU's defensive coordinator in 2019. Aranda, who coaches the linebackers as well as serving as associate head coach to Ed Orgeron, has a track record of producing NFL-ready players on his side of the football.

In three years as defensive coordinator with the Tigers, Aranda has seen nine of his players selected in the NFL Draft, two each in the first and second rounds. In addition to the draft picks, six more of Aranda's LSU defenders have made NFL rosters as free agents.

During his stay at LSU, the Tigers have increased their win total each season and produced a 27-11 overall mark. Five players have earned first team All-America and 10 have achieved first team All-SEC status under Aranda.

In 2018, linebacker Devin White, a player Aranda groomed for three years, became LSU's first Butkus Award winner as well as being the No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. White capped his LSU career by earning consensus All-America honors on his way to becoming the highest drafted linebacker in school history.

LSU's defense produced two other first team All-Americans in 2018 – safety Grant Delpit was a unanimous selection, while cornerback Greedy Williams earned first team honors. Williams was picked in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

As a unit in 2018, LSU led the SEC in interceptions with 17 and ranked No. 2 in the league in pass efficiency defense and takeaways with 25.

Individually, White led the SEC in total tackles with 123, while Delpit was first in the league in interceptions (5) and second in passes defended (14).

In his second season with the Tigers in 2017, Aranda's defense featured 12 players that started their first career game at some point during the year, which included six in the season-opening shutout of BYU. Overall, nine true freshmen along with four redshirt freshmen played significant snaps for the Tigers last year and combined for 38 starts (21 by true freshmen, 17 by redshirt freshmen).

Still, with all of that youth on the field, LSU ranked among the SEC leaders in nearly every major defensive category. LSU finished ranked among the top 5 in the SEC in pass efficiency (No. 2 at 110.9 rating), rush defense (No. 3 at 128.5 yards per game), scoring defense (No. 4 at 18.9 points per game) and total defense (No. 4 at 316.2 yards per game). LSU allowed only 11 passing TDs all year, which ranked No. 2 in the league and tied for fifth nationally.

Individually in 2017, White, a sophomore in his first season as a starter, led the SEC tackles per game (10.2) and earned second team All-America honors, while redshirt freshman Greedy Williams topped the league in interceptions (6) and earned third team All-America recognition. Cornerback Donte Jackson was a second team All-America selection and was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft.

In his first year with the Tigers in 2016, Aranda was the mastermind of a unit that allowed the fewest touchdowns (16) and fewest touchdowns per game (1.3) in college football. The LSU defense was also top 10 nationally in scoring (No. 5 at 15.8 points per game) and total yards (No. 10 at 314.4 yards per game).

LSU finished ranked among the top three in the SEC in the four major defensive categories in 2016 – No. 2 in scoring defense and rushing defense (117.2 yards per game) and No. 3 in total defense and pass defense (197.2 yards per game). It marked the first time since 2006 that LSU finished in the top three in the SEC in those four categories since 2006.

In 2016, LSU held six of its 12 opponents to fewer than 300 total yards and only one team eclipsed the 400-yard mark against the Tigers. LSU capped the year with perhaps its most dominating performance of the season, limiting Louisville and its Heisman Trophy quarterback, Lamar Jackson, without a touchdown for the only time all season in the 29-9 victory. LSU held Louisville to season lows for points (9) and rushing yards (67) as the Tigers recorded eight sacks, just one shy of tying the school record.

Overall in 12 games, the Tigers held opponents to one touchdown or less in nine games and only one team scored more than two offensive touchdowns against LSU in 2016 (Texas A&M). After allowing two first half touchdowns to Ole Miss, the Tigers shutout the Rebels in the second half and then stretched the scoreless streak to five-straight quarters with three scoreless quarters against Alabama.

Now entering his sixth season as a defensive coordinator at a Power 5 Conference school, Aranda's defense has ranked in the Top 12 nationally in total yards five times. His defense has also ranked among the top 10 in scoring four of the past six years. Since taking over as the defensive coordinator at Utah State in 2014, Aranda's defenses have given up a touchdown or less in 45 of 93 games.

LSU's 2016 defense featured a pair of first team All-America selections in defensive back Tre'Davious White and safety Jamal Adams, as well as a second team All-America in linebacker Kendell Beckwith. Five starters on the LSU defense were picked in the 2017 NFL Draft, including White and Adams, who were both first-round picks.

Other defensive highlights for the Tigers in 2016 include outside linebacker Arden Key breaking school record for sacks in a season with 12; leading the nation in redzone touchdowns allowed (8); leading the SEC in first downs allowed (192); and ranking No. 2 in the SEC in third-down conversions (32.3 percent).

Prior to joining the Tigers, Aranda served in the same capacity at Wisconsin, where he led a Badgers defense that in a combined three-year span, ranked in the top five in the nation in the four major defensive categories – scoring, total yards, passing yards and rushing yards.

From 2013-15, Aranda's defense allowed an average of 289.4 yards per game – which ranked first in the nation over that span. His defense allowed 16.9 points (No. 2 nationally), 179.9 passing yards (No. 3 nationally) and 109.6 rushing yards (No. 4 nationally) over the three years, a stretch that saw Wisconsin post a 30-10 record, reach the Big Ten title game in 2014 and play in two New Year's Day bowl games.

In three years at Wisconsin, Aranda's defense pitched five shutouts (2 in 2013 and 2015, 1 in 2014) and didn't allow opponents to score more than a single touchdown in 18 games over that stretch.

Aranda's 2015 defense capped the regular season leading the nation in points allowed at 13.1 points a contest. Wisconsin ranked No. 3 in the nation in total defense (268.5 yards per game), No. 4 in rushing defense (95.4 yards per game) and No. 7 in passing defense (173.2 yards per game).

LSU opened the 2014 season against Aranda and Wisconsin, winning 28-24. However. Aranda's defense limited the Tigers to 126 rushing yards as LSU used a fourth-quarter rally to beat the Badgers in Houston.

Aranda spent the 2012 season at Utah State where he helped the Aggies to a school record 11 wins (2 losses) and a 41-15 victory over Toledo in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. As the defensive coordinator at USU, he oversaw an Aggies defense that ranked seventh in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 15.4 points per game.

In addition to scoring defense, Utah State also ranked among the top 15 nationally in sacks (eighth), pass efficiency defense (10th), rush defense (12th) and total defense (15th). In the red zone, the Aggies were particularly effective, allowing opponents to score on just 63.6 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line, a mark that tied them for third in the country in red zone defense. USU opponents scored just 13 TDs in 44 red zone opportunities (29.5 percent).

Prior to his season at Utah State, Aranda spent four years at Hawai'i, the last two as the Warriors' defensive coordinator after coaching the defensive line his first two years. During the 2011 season at Hawai'i, Aranda's defense led the Western Athletic Conference and was tied for 15th in the FBS in sacks with 35.

In 2010, Aranda's Hawai'i defense led the nation in turnovers caused (38), while ranking second in the nation in interceptions (23) and ninth in fumbles recovered (15), as well as tying the school record for most defensive touchdowns with five.

Prior to Hawai'i, Aranda coached at Delta State University in 2007, where he served as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach. Following the season, he signed on to become Southern Utah's defensive coordinator for new head coach Ed Lamb and was on the job for one month before head coach Greg McMackin called and asked Aranda to join the Hawai'i staff.

In one year at Delta State, Aranda helped the school win the Gulf South Conference and lead NCAA Division II in pass efficiency defense, ranking second in total and scoring defense, and third in run defense.

Before Delta State, Aranda spent two years as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at his alma mater, California Lutheran, where the Kingsmen led the conference in scoring defense and total defense. It was his second go-around with California Lutheran after serving as an assistant from 1996-99, while finishing his degree.

From 2003-04, Aranda was the linebackers coach at the University of Houston and before that he served as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech.

After he graduated from Redlands High School in California in 1994, numerous surgeries followed and ended his playing career. In 1995, he started his coaching resume at Redlands as an assistant coach. Aranda graduated from California Lutheran in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. In 2002, he earned his master's degree in interdisciplinary studies at Texas Tech.

Aranda and his wife, Dione, have two daughters, Jaelyn and Jordyn, and a son, Ronin.

THE ARANDA FILE
Year at LSU: Fourth (appointed Jan. 1, 2016)
Birthdate: Sept. 29, 1976
Hometown: Redlands, Calif.
Wife: Dione
Children: Jaelyn, Jordyn, Ronin
High School: Redlands High School (1994)
College: California Lutheran (1999)
Postgraduate: Texas Tech (2002)

COACHING EXPERIENCE
1995 Redlands (Calif.) High School (defensive coordinator/linebackers/offensive line)
1996-99 California Lutheran (linebackers)
2000-02 Texas Tech (graduate assistant)
2003-04 Houston (linebackers)
2005-06 California Lutheran (defensive coordinator/linebackers)
2007 Delta State (co-defensive coordinator/secondary)
2008-11 Hawaii (defensive line, 2008-09; defensive coordinator, 2010-11)
2012 Utah State (defensive coordinator)
2013-15 Wisconsin (defensive coordinator/inside linebackers)
2016-19 LSU (defensive coordinator/linebackers)

BOWL EXPERIENCE
Season Bowl Team Opponent Results
2000 Galleryfurniture.com Texas Tech East Carolina L, 40-27
2001 Alamo Texas Tech Iowa L, 19-16
2002 Tangerine Texas Tech Clemson W, 55-15
2003 Hawaii Houston Hawaii W, 54-48
2008 Hawaii Hawaii Notre Dame L, 49-21
2010 Hawaii Hawaii Tulsa L, 62-35
2012 Famous Idaho Utah State Toledo W, 41-15
2013 Capital One Wisconsin South Carolina L, 34-24
2014 Outback Wisconsin Auburn W,34-31 (OT)
2015 Holiday Wisconsin Southern Cal W, 23-21
2016 Citrus LSU Louisville W, 29-9
2017 Citrus LSU Notre Dame L, 21-17
2018 Fiesta LSU UCF W, 40-32

 

[Merlin]

Official Site of the Houston Texans

Anthony Weaver enters his third season as defensive line coach for the Houston Texans in 2018. He is in his seventh season as an NFL coach after a seven-year playing career, including three seasons with the Texans (2006-08).

www.houstontexans.com

Anthony Weaver enters his third season as defensive line coach for the Houston Texans in 2018. He is in his seventh season as an NFL coach after a seven-year playing career, including three seasons with the Texans (2006-08).

Under Weaver's tutelage in 2017, DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney finished second in the NFL in tackles for loss with a single-season career high and team-high 21. Clowney also set single-season career highs in sacks (9.5), quarterback hits (21), forced fumbles (two), fumble recoveries (two), total tackles (59), games played (16) and games started (16) en route to earning a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

NT D.J. Reader became a force for the Texans in his second NFL season in 2017. Reader set single-season career highs in total tackles (47), solo tackles (23), quarterback hits (six), tackles for loss (three) and games started (14). He also tied his single-season career high in sacks with 1.0 despite missing Weeks 16-17.

The Texans defense had the fourth-most tackles for loss in a single season in franchise history with 85 in 2017 and had 26 different players record at least one tackle for loss, which led the NFL and set a single-season franchise record for most players with a tackle for loss. The Texans also had 32 sacks as a team and an NFL-high and a franchise-record 18 different players with at least 0.5 sacks. Houston tied for fifth in the league with four defensive touchdowns and allowed the lowest opponent rushing average in team history at 3.97 yards per carry.

The Texans, who won their second straight AFC South division championship in 2016 and advanced to the Divisional Round for the first time since 2012, finished the season with the NFL’s top-ranked defense for the first time in franchise history in 2016, surrendering an average of only 301.3 total net yards per game. They also gave up the fewest first downs (17.0) and second-fewest net passing yards (201.6) per game. From Weeks 8-17, Houston allowed an average of 71.9 net rushing yards per game and opponents only scored three rushing touchdowns during that span, both of which led the league.

Weaver assisted with Clowney's transition to playing defensive line in 2016. The former No. 1 overall pick earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career after posting then-personal bests in tackles (52), sacks (6.0), tackles for loss (16), quarterback hits (17) and games played/started (14).
Despite the absence of DE J.J. Watt, the Texans received strong play from multiple young players along the defensive line, as it was the first time in franchise history three rookie defensive lineman started at least one game (NT D.J. Reader, DE Joel Heath and DE Ufomba Kamalu).

Reader, who appeared in all 16 games, made seven starts, which was the fifth-most by a rookie defensive lineman in franchise history and the most since Watt in 2011. Against Oakland in the Wild Card Round, Reader became the third rookie in franchise history to record a sack in the postseason, joining Watt and OLB Brooks Reed.

Heath appeared in 12 games for the Texans in 2016 and his six starts were the most by a college free agent rookie defensive lineman in team history. In Week 17 vs. Tennessee, Heath became the first college free agent rookie in franchise history and only college free agent rookie in the NFL in 2016 with 2.0 sacks in a game.

Before joining the Texans, Weaver spent the previous two years (2014-15) in the same role with the Cleveland Browns, where he helped develop multiple players. Weaver worked with DE Desmond Bryant, who led the team in sacks with a career-high 6.0 in 2015 after finishing second on the team with 5.0 in 2014. Bryant had only recorded 5.0-or-more sacks in a season once before. Additionally, Weaver helped with the development of Browns rookie first-round pick DT Danny Shelton and undrafted rookie DT Jamie Meder.

In 2014, the Browns defensive line was plagued by injuries with starters Phil Taylor (11 games missed), Armonty Bryant (11 games missed) and John Hughes (nine games missed) missing significant action, which forced the team into 10 different starting lineup combinations. Despite being hindered by injuries, Weaver’s unit contributed to a defense that led the league in opposing quarterback passer rating (74.1) and finished tied for fourth in the NFL in takeaways (29).

In 2013, Weaver served as the defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills, where his defensive linemen accounted for 47 of the Bills’ 57 sacks, a franchise record and the second most in the NFL in 2013. Buffalo was the only team to have three players record double-digit sacks, including DE Mario Williams leading the team and finishing fourth in the NFL with 13.0. DT Kyle Williams registered a career-high 10.5 sacks and DE Jerry Hughes added 10.0. DT Marcell Dareus posted a career-best 7.5 sacks and was selected to the Pro Bowl along with Mario and Kyle Williams.

Prior to Buffalo, Weaver spent the 2012 season as the assistant defensive line coach with the New York Jets. He also spent the 2011 campaign as the linebackers coach at the University of North Texas after beginning his coaching career as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Florida in 2010.

Before his coaching career, Weaver played seven seasons (2002-08) as a defensive end in the NFL, including four with the Baltimore Ravens (2002-05) and three with the Texans at the end of his career (2006-08). After being drafted in the second round (52nd overall) by the Ravens in 2002, Weaver appeared in 103 career regular season games (98 starts) and recorded 260 tackles, 15.5 sacks, three interceptions, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

A native of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Weaver was a four-year starter at Notre Dame and earned All-American honors as a standout college player.

Weaver and his wife, Kristin, have two sons, Anthony Jr. and Justus.

 

[Merlin]

Brent Venables

clemsontigers.com

In his 23 years as a full-time assistant coach, his teams have 23 winning seasons, have been to 27 bowl games and have won 10+ games 19 times.

• Has coached in six national championship games, helping Clemson to three berths and two titles.

• Ranked fourth in rushing defense (96.3 yards per game), fifth in total defense (285.9 yards per game) in 2018. Led the country in scoring defense (13.1 points per game) for the first time in school history.

• Unit set a school record with 54 sacks in 2018, the third-most by any FBS team in a season since 2000.

• His 2018 defense produced five first- or second-team All-Americans, including two consensus selections (Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins). Ferrell also won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end and Wilkins won the Campbell Trophy, known colloquially as the “Academic Heisman.” Linebacker Tre Lamar was a finalist for the Butkus Award.

• His 2017 defense was second in the nation in scoring defense (13.6) and fourth in total defense (276.7).

• Helped linebacker Dorian O’Daniel become a finalist for the Butkus Award in 2017.

• Recipient of the 2016 Frank Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. His 2016 group amassed 130 tackles for loss and a then-school-record 49 sacks. His teams led the NCAA in tackles for loss four seasons in a row from 2013-16.

• Ben Boulware was a first-team All-ACC performer and second-team Walter Camp All-American in 2016, as well as ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

• Named one of the top-10 recruiters in the ACC in 2015 by Rivals. Was national defensive coordinator of the year by FootballScoop in 2014 and national recruiter of the year by Rivals in 2015.

• Finalist for the 2015 Broyles Award after his defense was fourth nationally in third-down conversion percentage (27.7) and in sacks per game (3.2) and fifth in tackles for loss per game (8.4).

• His 2014 defense led the nation in total defense (260.8), pass efficiency defense (98.3), first downs allowed (185), third-down conversion percentage defense (27.4) and tackles for loss (131).

• His 2013 unit led the nation in tackles for loss (122).

• Named one of the top-25 recruiters in the nation in 2013 by Rivals and one of the top-50 recruiters in the nation in 2013 by 247Sports.

• His 2012 defense held opponents to just 34.0 percent on third down, 24th-best in the nation.

• Coached 13 years (1999-11) at Oklahoma and three years (1996-98) at Kansas State. Was also a graduate assistant coach at Kansas State for three years (1993-95).

• Served as co-defensive coordinator (1999-03) and defensive coordinator at Oklahoma (2004-11).

• Linebackers under his direction were named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year five times and Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year five times. Has coached two Butkus Award winners and four other Butkus Award finalists, including O’Daniel and Lamar.

• Broyles Award finalist in the 2006 season when Oklahoma led the Big 12 in total defense and scoring defense.

• Oklahoma ranked first in the nation in total defense, first in passing defense, second in pass efficiency defense, third in scoring defense and fifth in turnover margin in 2003.

• His 2001 defense was fourth in the nation in scoring defense, fourth in total defense, fifth in pass effiency defense and seventh in rushing defense.

• Also owns a national championship ring as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Oklahoma in 2000.

• As a player at Kansas State, he was Honorable Mention All-Big Eight in 1992 with 124 tackles. He was also an All-American at Garden City (Kan.) Community College who recorded 276 career tackles.

 

[LesBaker]

Maybe we stay in house and go with Aubrey.

 

[Merlin]

Zach Arnett - Football Coach - SDSU Athletics

At San Diego State Zach Arnett enters his second season as San Diego State’s defensive coordinator and will coach the linebackers for the sixth year in a row. Arnett

goaztecs.com

At San Diego State

• Zach Arnett enters his second season as San Diego State’s defensive coordinator and will coach the linebackers for the sixth year in a row.
• Arnett was promoted to linebackers coach in the spring of 2014 after spending three years as a defensive graduate assistant.
• With Arnett on staff, the SDSU defense has ranked among the nation’s best in several categories over the last five seasons, including interceptions (1st, 87), rush defense (6th, 121.1), total defense (6th, 316.4), scoring defense (9th, 19.7), turnovers forced (t-10th, 98), interception returns for touchdowns (t-10th, 11) and pass defense (11th, 195.2).
• Last year, Arnett oversaw the emergence of Kyahva Tezino, a first-team all-Mountain West performer who led the Aztecs with 127 tackles, including a league-best 70 solo stops, which ranked 29th in the nation.
• In 2017, Ronley Lakalaka merited second-team all-MW honors after topping the squad with 82 tackles.
• Under Arnett’s tutelage in 2016, Calvin Munson paced the Aztecs with 116 tackles on the season and 17 quarterback hurries to go with 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and three pass breakups. Munson finished his career ranked sixth at SDSU in tackles (301) and ninth in sacks (18.0). He was a three-time all-Mountain West pick, including a first-team selection each of his last two campaigns. Munson signed as an undrafted free agent with the New?York Giants.
• For the second straight season in 2015, two Aztec linebackers garnered all-Mountain West accolades. Munson was named to the first team, while Jake Fely was a second-team honoree.
• Two San Diego State linebackers earned all-conference accolades in his first year as a full-time member of the coaching staff, as Munson and Josh Gavert earned honorable mention all-conference recognition in 2014.
• Helped linebacker Nick Tenhaeff earn All-MW honorable mention recognition in 2013. Tenhaeff led the Aztecs with 15.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks and was third on the squad with 64 tackles combined, including 43 solo stops.
• Coached two Aztecs - Fely and Derek Largent - to all-league accolades in 2012. Fely had 90 tackles, and led the team in tackles for loss (11.5), sacks (7) and forced fumbles (2) en route to second-team honors, while Largent was an honorable mention pick with 61 tackles (9.5 TFL), 6.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Playing Experience

• Prior to his arrival on Montezuma Mesa, Arnett played collegiately for four seasons at New Mexico under current San Diego State head coach Rocky Long.
• Was a standout linebacker for the Lobos from 2005-08, lettering four times and serving as team captain during his senior campaign. n Saw action in 47 games at New Mexico, recording 200 tackles (84 solo, 116 assisted), with four sacks, six forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
• Tied for the FBS lead in 2008 with six forced fumbles. Of the five players that had six forced fumbles that season, Arnett played the fewest number of games (12).
• Started all 12 contests as a senior, recording 92 tackles, including 11 behind the line of scrimmage, and an MW record-tying six forced fumbles. Helped UNM rank 36th nationally in rushing defense in 2008.
• New Mexico won 25 games during his four-year stint and made consecutive bowl game appearances in 2006 and 2007.
• Excelled in the classroom, where he was a first-team Academic All-American in 2008. Also was a four-time academic all-conference honoree and scholar-athlete.
• Originally signed to play for the UNM baseball team coming out of high school, but was given a football scholarship the summer before the start of his true freshman season.
• Attended La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, competing in both football and baseball. Was a two-time all-state pick at linebacker and three-time selection at catcher.

Education

• Graduated from New Mexico in 2009, with his bachelor's degree in history and a minor in political science.

Personal

• Arnett and his wife, Emily, have one son, Case.

Footer

 

[Loyal]

Maybe we stay in house and go with Aubrey.

Sacrilege! Get thee behind me, satan! ~ Merlin

 

[Merlin]

2019 Football

2019 Football

gopsusports.com

COACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• A native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, Brent Pry’s coaching career enters its 28th year and began during James Franklin’s final two seasons as an All-PSAC quarterback at East Stroudsburg University.​
• Pry has helped each program he’s coached to success, including 13 bowl appearances, with top-25 finishes in total defense in seven of his last nine seasons (three at Penn State; three at Vanderbilt; 1 at Georgia Southern).​
• He has played an instrumental role in working with top 10 defenses at Penn State, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Georgia Southern and Western Carolina.​
• Pry was promoted to defensive coordinator at Penn State Jan. 10, 2016.​
• In 2018, the defense paced the Lions, finishing in the top 20 in yards per pass attempt (5th; 5.67), passing efficiency (8th; 106.10), red zone defense (11th; .750), passing yards allowed (15th; 181.5), yards per play (15th; 4.72) and third down conversion defense (19th; .336).​
• The Penn State defense was a permanent fixture in the opposition’s backfield in 2018, leading the country in sacks (3.62) for the second time in the last four years and ranking fourth in tackles for loss (8.2).​
• The Nittany Lions landed a pair of players on the 2018 All-Big Ten first team (Amani Oruwariye, Yetur Gross-Matos) and had six defensive selections on the all-conference squad.​
• Linebacker Micah Parsons became the first freshman (true or redshirt) in Penn State history to lead the team in tackles with 83 stops in 2018.​
• In 2017, All-Big Ten linebacker Jason Cabinda was the leader of the defense that helped the Nittany Lions to a second-straight New Year’s Six bowl game for the first time since 1985 (Orange) and 1986 (Fiesta).​
• Pry, who was a 2017 Broyles Award nominee for top assistant coach in the country, developed a dominant defense that finished in the top 25 in FBS in scoring defense (7th; 16.5), sacks (7th; 3.23), rushing defense (14th; 118.0), total defense (17th; 329.5), team passing efficiency defense (21st; 114.88), turnovers gained (23rd; 25) and tackles for loss (25th; 7.2).​
• Penn State’s 16.5 points allowed per game in 2017 were the fewest since the 2009 squad gave up 12.2 tallies per contest.​
• In his first season as defensive coordinator, Pry helped the Nittany Lions to the 2016 Big Ten Championship by guiding a defense that finished 37th in FBS total defense (367.9), seventh in tackles for loss (8.1) and 19th in sacks (2.86) despite a significant number of injuries to the linebacking corps.​
• As co-defensive coordinator for Penn State, Pry helped direct a unit that had back-to-back Top 15 finishes in total defense. In 2015, the Nittany Lions finished 14th, giving up 324.5 yards per game. Under Pry’s tutelage in 2014, the Penn State defense finished second in FBS in total defense, allowing just 278.7 yards per game, improving 46 spots from the 2013 season when the Lions finished 48th while giving up 381.3 yards per game.​
• In 2014, Pry was a finalist for Football Scoop’s Linebackers Coach of the Year to continue the “Linebacker U” tradition.​
• Mike Hull earned the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award and eight All-America honors in 2014. Hull led the Big Ten with 140 tackles, tied for fourth in school season history.​
• Pry tutored the Vanderbilt linebackers and was co-defensive coordinator from 2011-13. The linebackers led the team in tackles for loss during each of Pry’s three seasons and he helped Chris Marve earn All-SEC honors in 2011.​
• While at Georgia Southern in 2010, his defensive unit helped the Eagles to a win over No. 1 Appalachian State and an appearance in the NCAA FCS semifinals.​
• A member of the Memphis staff from 2007-09, Pry’s defensive line corps helped the Tigers to back-to-back bowl appearances.​
• He also coached at Louisiana-Lafayette (2002-06), boosting the Ragin’ Cajuns to their first Sun Belt Conference championship, Western Carolina (1998-2001) and Virginia Tech (1995-97), helping the Hokies to three bowl games as a graduate assistant, including a win in the 1995 Sugar Bowl.​
• Pry coached the East Stroudsburg outside linebackers and defensive backs in 1993-94. Pry’s father, Jim, has been a college football coach for 40 years and was Franklin’s offensive coordinator at East Stroudsburg.​

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A PLAYER

• Lettered as a defensive back at the University of Buffalo, before suffering a career-ending injury, which launched his coaching career as an undergraduate student in 1992.

PROMINENT PLAYERS COACHED

• Koa Farmer (Penn State) - Oakland Raiders
• Jason Cabinda (Penn State) - Oakland Raiders
• Mike Hull (Penn State) - Miami Dolphins; 2014 Big Ten Linebacker of the Year
• Brandon Bell (Penn State) - Cincinnati Bengals (2017-18)
• Oren Burks (Vanderbilt) - Green Bay Packers; 2018 NFL Draft third-round pick
• Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt) - Houston Texans; 2017 NFL Draft second-round pick
• Clinton McDonald (Memphis) - NFL (2009-18); Super Bowl XLVIII Champion
• Dontari Poe (Memphis) - Carolina Panthers; 2012 NFL Draft first-round pick
• Charles Tillman (Louisiana-Lafayette) - NFL (2003-15); Two-time Pro Bowler
• Ike Taylor (Louisiana-Lafayette) - Two-time Super Bowl Champion; Pittsburgh Steelers (2003-14)
• Chris Marve (Vanderbilt) - Three-time All-SEC
• Hall Davis (Louisiana-Lafayette) - NFL (2010-14); 2010 NFL Draft fifth-round pick
• C.C. Brown (Louisiana-Lafayette) - NFL (2005-11); Two-Time All-Sun Belt
• Michael Adams (Louisiana-Lafayette) - NFL (2007-14)
• Antwain Spann (Louisiana-Lafayette) - NFL (2005-09)
• Darius Eubanks (Georgia Southern) - NFL (2013-15)
• Brent Russell (Georgia Southern) - 2010 Consensus All-American
• Lavelle Westbrooks (Georgia Southern) - 2014 NFL Draft seventh-round pick
• Laron Scott (Georgia Southern) - NFL (2012-13); CFL (2014)

The Pry File
Personal

Hometown: Altoona, Pa.
Alma Mater: University of Buffalo
Education: B.A., History
Family: wife, Amy; son, Colby, daughters, Madeline and Catherine

Coaching Career

2018-present - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
2014-17 - Penn State (assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator/linebackers)
2013 - Vanderbilt (assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator/linebackers)
2011-12 - Vanderbilt (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers)
2010 - Georgia Southern (defensive coordinator and safeties)
2007-09 - Memphis (defensive line)
2004-06 - Louisiana-Lafayette (assistant head coach, defensive coordinators and linebackers)
2002-03 - Louisiana-Lafayette (defensive coordinator and linebackers)
2000-01 - Western Carolina (defensive backs and special teams)
1998-99 - Western Carolina (defensive line)
1995-98 - Virginia Tech (graduate assistant, defensive line)
1993-94 - East Stroudsburg (outside linebackers and defensive backs)

Bowl Games as a Coach

• 2019 VRBO Citrus Bowl Penn State
• 2017 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Penn State
• 2017 Rose Bowl Penn State
• 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl Penn State
• 2014 Pinstripe Bowl Penn State
• 2014 BBVA Compass Bowl Vanderbilt
• 2012 Music City Bowl Vanderbilt
• 2011 Liberty Bowl Vanderbilt
• 2008 St. Petersburg Bowl Memphis
• 2007 New Orleans Bowl Memphis
• 1998 Gator Bowl Virginia Tech
• 1996 Orange Bowl Virginia Tech
• 1995 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech

 

[Merlin]

If McVay goes with Pleasant I'm fine with it, for the record.

 

[Merlin]

Pete Kwiatkowski - Football Coach - University of Washington Athletics

The 2020 season will be Pete Kwiatkowski's seventh in Seattle, With Jimmy Lake having taken over as head coach following the 2019 season, Kwiatkowksi returns to

gohuskies.com

Pete Kwiatkowski joined Coach Petersen's UW staff shortly after Petersen came to Seattle and has built the Pac-12's most consistent defense in his five years. The 2019 season will mark his sixth at Washington and second as co-defensive coordinator after serving as the Huskies' defensive coordinator for the four prior years.

In 2018, Kwiatkowski helped mentor a Husky defense that continued its reign atop the Pac-12 Conference as the Dawgs led the league in both scoring defense (15.5 points per game) and total defense (301.8 yards per game) for the fourth year in a row. The Huskies, who won a Pac-12 title for the second team in three years, also finished second in the conference in rushing defense, pass defense (yards) and pass efficiency defense.

In 2017, under the co-direction of Kwiatkowski, the Huskies were the best in the Pac-12 in both total defense (eighth nationally) and scoring defense (fifth nationally). They also led the Pac-12 in rushing defense (fourth nationally) and were third in the conference in passing defense (32nd nationally), but led the nation in fewest yards allowed per completion (9.42). He also orchestrated a defense that allowed 16.1 points and 298 yards per game. It marked the first time the Huskies’ had allowed under 300 total yards in back-to-back years since 1990 and 1991.

Three players off the defensive unit were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, including Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Vita Vea, making 12 in four years for the defensive-side of the ball selected under Kwiatkowski.

In 2016, the Huskies once again topped all Pac-12 defenses as the Dawgs went 12-2 and earned a trip to the College Football Playoff. The Dawgs led the conference in both total defense (316.9 yards per game, 12th in the nation) and scoring defense (17.7 points per game, eighth) in the nation, while also leading all FBS schools in turnover margin (1.29 per game) and takeaways (33). Washington was also first in the conference in first downs allowed and third down conversion defense, while finishing second in red zone defense, rushing defense and sacks.

Four Huskies (Elijah Qualls, Azeem Victor, Budda Baker and Sidney Jones) earned first-team All-Pac-12 following the 2016 season. Baker was a consensus All-America safety.

In 2015, his second on Montlake, Kwiatkowski took charge of the top defense in the Pac-12 Conference, despite having lost five starters to the NFL after the 2015 season. His unit led the Pac-12 in scoring defense (18.8 points per game) and total defense (351.8 yards per game) and was second in rushing defense (125.3 yards per game) and pass efficiency defense (115.9). The Huskies were also tops in the league in opponent first downs and red-zone defense.

In his first year as a Husky coach, Kwiatkowski helped lead a UW defense that featured three Associate Press first-team All-America selections in Hau'oli Kikaha, Danny Shelton and Shaq Thompson. Washington finished the season second in the nation in sacks, fifth in fumble recoveries, ninth in turnover margin and 26th in takeaways. Additionally, the UW led the NCAA-FBS with seven defensive touchdowns.

Kwiatkowski came to Washington from Boise State, where he'd completed his fourth season as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator in 2013.

Kwiatkowski, a member of the Boise State Athletic Hall of Fame, spent 16 overall seasons as a member of the Broncos’ coaching staff – eight since returning to coach at his alma mater in 2006. He was the defensive line coach prior to being elevated to defensive coordinator in 2010.

As Boise State’s defensive coordinator, the Broncos led the Western Athletic and Mountain West Conferences in total defense and scoring defense in each of his first three seasons and were third and second, respectively, in 2013. Kwiatkowski’s defenses have not only excelled within the conference, but have been ranked among the best nationally.

In his first three seasons of guiding the defense, the Broncos were one of seven teams to rank among the nation’s top 25 in total defense. They were second nationally in 2010, 16th in 2011 and 12th in 2012. In that same span, opponents averaged just 297.1 yards per game, making the Broncos one of six teams to allow less than 300 yards per game.

Kwiatkowski-led defenses allowed 18.0 points per game in four seasons. The Broncos ranked second-nationally in scoring defense in 2010 (12.8 ppg), 12th in 2011 (18.7), eighth in 2012 (15.8) and 50th in 2013 (24.8).

In 2010, his debut season as defensive coordinator, the Broncos finished second-nationally in both total defense and scoring defense, allowing just 254.7 yards per game and 12.8 points per game. Boise State also led the nation in sacks (3.7), ranked second in the country in both tackles-for-loss (8.4) and pass efficiency defense (95.2), fourth-nationally in pass defense (150.9) and seventh-nationally in rushing defense (103.8) - leading the WAC in each category. Eight different student-athletes earned All-WAC recognition, five of which garnered first-team accolades.

In 2011, the Broncos' debut season in the Mountain West, Boise State ranked 12th-nationally in scoring defense (18.7), 16th-nationally in total defense (320.9) and 17th-nationally in rushing defense (110. 0) -leading the league in each category. Following the 2011 season six members of the Broncos' defensive unit earned all-conference recognition, including each of Kwiatkowski's four starting defensive linemen.

In 2012, despite losing nine starters, Boise State ranked fifth-nationally in both pass defense (169.5) and pass efficiency defense (101.4), eighth-nationally in scoring defense (15.8), 11th-nationally in sacks (2.9) and 12th-nationally in total defense (315.6). The Broncos ranked fourth nationally forcing 36 turnovers and led the nation with 18 fumble recoveries.

They also picked off 18 passes to rank 12th nationally. The Broncos placed four of their defensive players on the All-MW First Team in 2012, a mark that led the league.

The 2013 Broncos’ squad ranked second in the conference in points allowed (24.8), second in interceptions (16), third in total defense (413.4), third in pass efficiency defense (129.7) and fourth in sacks (30). The Broncos placed two defensive player on the MW first team, including defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, who led the league in sacks per game (0.88) and was 10th nationally with 10.5 overall. He also led the conference in tackles for loss with 20.5 (1.71 per game) and ranked third nationally.

From 2006-09, Kwiatkowski's served as defensive line coach and helped elevate Boise State to a higher success at the national level.

In 2009 Boise State owned one of the nation's top defenses, ranking in the top 20 and leading the WAC in a number of categories. The Broncos ranked 13th-nationally in pass efficiency defense (103.42), 14th-nationally in both total defense (300.2) and scoring defense (17.1) and 19th-nationally in tackles for loss (19). The Broncos also led the conference in pass defense (179.9).

Nationally, the Broncos finished 2008 ranked No. 2 in pass defense, No. 3 in scoring defense (12.6) and No. 20 in total defense (308.2), and also led the WAC in pass efficiency defense (94.4).

In 2006 the Broncos were nationally-ranked in total defense (12th), scoring defense (25th), sacks (26th) and rushing defense (35th). Nationally in 2006, Boise State was eighth in rushing defense, 14th in total defense, 20th in scoring defense and 28th in sacks.

Prior to returning to Boise State, Kwiatkowski spent six seasons as Montana State's defensive coordinator. Under Kwiatkowski’s direction, the Bobcats' defense allowed a league-best 332.2 yards per game in 2005 and led the Big Sky Conference in passing defense, allowing just 165.6 yards per game. The Bobcats gave up only 22.8 points per game to rank second in scoring defense. MSU also led the Big Sky in total defense three other times - in 2001 (358.0), in 2002 (306.8) and in 2003 (298.4).

Montana State qualified for the I-AA playoffs in 2002 and 2003, the team's first postseason appearances since 1984. The Bobcats also beat in-state rival Montana in three of Kwiatkowski’s last four seasons at the school.

Kwiatkowski began his coaching career as an assistant at Boise State after an All-America and Hall-of-Fame playing career with the Broncos. He coached for eight seasons (1988-96) under three different head coaches in his first stint. He mentored defensive backs, outside linebackers and the defensive line during that time.

Following the 1996 season Kwiatkowski moved to Snow Junior College in Utah, where he was the co-defensive coordinator and line coach for one season. He then coached at Eastern Washington for two seasons.

Kwiatkowski was a standout defensive lineman for the Broncos from 1984-87 and earned four first-team All-America awards in 1987. He was also honorable mention Associated Press All-America in 1986. He was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year in 1987, received first-team All-Big Sky honors in 1986 and 1987 and was named all-conference honorable mention as a sophomore in 1985.

Kwiatkowski was inducted into the Boise State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.

Kwiatkowski graduated from Boise State in 1990. He and his wife Lara have three daughters, Shelby, Riley and Olivia.

• 2018-2019 – Washington – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers
• 2014-2017 – Washington – Defensive Coordinator
• 2010-2013 – Boise State – Defensive Coordinator
• 2006-2009 – Boise State – Defensive Line
• 2000-2005 – Montana State – Defensive Coordinator
• 1998-1999 – Eastern Washington – Defensive Line
• 1997 – Snow Junior College – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
• 1988-1996 – Boise State – Defensive Backs/Outside Linebackers/Defensive Line

 

[Merlin]

Andy Avalos - Football Coach - University of Oregon Athletics

In just four seasons as a defensive coordinator, Andy Avalos has established himself as one of the premier coordinators in college football. Avalos was a sem...

goducks.com

Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal completed his coaching staff with the addition of Andy Avalos as the program’s defensive coordinator. Avalos has spent the last seven seasons at Boise State, including the last three as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

In each of Avalos’s three seasons as defensive coordinator (2016-18), Boise State finished in the top four in the Mountain West Conference in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and third down defense. The Broncos won 31 games over those three seasons and held 17 of their last 27 opponents to 20 points or less.

A former standout linebacker at Boise State, Avalos took over the defense at his alma mater in 2016 after two seasons as the program’s linebackers coach and two seasons coaching the defensive line. Boise State advanced to the Mountain West Championship game in both 2017 and 2018, allowing only 33 points combined and an average of 299 yards.

This past season, Boise State backed up its league-leading 34 sacks in 2017 with 39 sacks to rank 10th nationally and lead the Mountain West for the second consecutive year. The Broncos led the Mountain West with 24 forced turnovers in 2018, including a nation’s best 17 fumble recoveries. Boise ranked 22nd nationally in total defense in 2017, allowing 332.6 yards per game.

Avalos helped the Boise State defense hold 20 opponents from 2016-18 to 20 points or less, while the Broncos ranked tied for sixth nationally with 10 defensive touchdowns over that span.

Avalos’s defenses produced 21 All-Mountain West Conference selections from 2016-18, including eight first-team choices. Highlighting the 20-plus honorees is 2017 was Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Leighton Vander Esch, who was selected in the first round (No. 19) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Vander Esch earned second-team All-Pro honors and an invitation to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.

Over his seven seasons at Boise State, the defense ranked in the top 25 nationally in turnovers forced six times, highlighted by top 10 performances in 2012, 2014 and 2015. During Avalos' two seasons (2012-13) overseeing the defensive line, three Broncos combined to earn five All-Mountain West honors, including two-time first-team honoree DeMarcus Lawrence. Named an All-American in 2013, Lawrence was taken in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and has been named to the Pro Bowl twice.

A four-year letterwinner for the Broncos, Avalos earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors at outside linebacker in each of his final two seasons. He completed his career ranked fourth all-time with 365 tackles, and led the Broncos in the statistical category in each of his final three seasons. He was named to the All-Blue Team during the 2016 season, a list of the 30 greatest players at Boise State since the inception of blue turf in 1986.

Avalos began his coaching career in his hometown of Corona, Calif., where he coached linebackers at Corona High School. He then spent three seasons (2006-08) at Colorado as a graduate assistant, two years (2009-10) at Nebraska-Kearney coaching the defensive line and one season (2011) at Sacramento State as the linebackers coach.

 

[Dieter the Brock]