"Up and Comer" Potential DC Thread

[Merlin]

Jim Leonhard | Football Coach | Wisconsin Badgers

Leonhard wrapped up his time with the Badgers at the conclusion of the 2022 season. Leonhard coached for six seasons as both the defensive coordinator and interim

uwbadgers.com

In just three seasons on Wisconsin’s coaching staff, Jim Leonhard has managed to further elevate a defense that has become one of the nation’s best, year in and year out.

Few could be considered more knowledgeable on what it means to have success on defense at Wisconsin than Leonhard, a 2015 inductee to the UW Athletic Hall of Fame who was one of the most successful players to ever patrol the Badgers’ defensive backfield.

Following his retirement from a 10-year career in the NFL, Leonhard joined the Badgers’ staff as defensive backs coach in 2016. He became defensive coordinator less than a year later and went on to be named a finalist for the Broyles Award, presented to the nation’s top assistant coach, in his first season running UW’s defense.

Leonhard is now in his third year as defensive coordinator, and fourth on staff overall, in 2018.

In its first season under Leonhard’s direction, the 2017 Wisconsin defense was once again one of the nation’s most complete and high-performing units. The Badgers ranked second nationally in total defense (262.1 yards per game), third in scoring defense (13.9 points per game), third in rushing defense (98.4 yards per game) and had the No. 1 pass efficiency defense mark in the country, at 96.4.



Led by the Leonhard-coached secondary, UW gave up just 11 touchdowns through the air, picked off 20 passes and was one of only four FBS teams to hold opposing teams under a 50 percent completion rate. With a school-record 75 breakups to go along with their 20 interceptions, the Badgers led the nation with 95 passes defended.
Cornerback Nick Nelson, a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection and second-team All-America pick, led the way with a school-record 21 pass breakups. Remarkably, 10 players recorded at least one interception for the Badgers — led by four apiece from senior safety Joe Ferguson and junior linebacker T.J. Edwards — with a school-record five picks returned for touchdowns.

Edwards and junior safety D’Cota Dixon joined Nelson as first-team All-Big Ten picks, leading the way for an impressive list of 11 players who earned all-conference recognition for their efforts on the Badgers’ league-leading defense.

Key to the Badgers racking up a school-record 13 wins, including a victory in the Orange Bowl, UW’s defense allowed just 18 touchdowns in 14 games. Only national champion Alabama (17) gave up fewer TDs on the season. In the red zone, the Badgers surrendered touchdowns on only 11 of 35 opponent trips inside the 20-yard line, a nation-leading clip of 31.4 percent.

Leonhard’s impact on the Badgers’ secondary was immediate upon taking over as defensive backs coach in 2016. His unit was instrumental in the Badgers grabbing 22 interceptions, a total that ranked second in the FBS and marked UW’s highest output since 2002, when Leonhard himself recorded a school-record 11 of UW’s 22 picks.

The secondary contributed to an overall effort that saw the Badgers finish the season ranked No. 4 nationally in scoring defense (15.6 points per game), No. 7 in total defense (301.4 yards per game), No. 3 in rushing defense (98.8 yards per game) and No. 10 in passing efficiency defense (106.9).

Under Leonhard’s tutelage, senior cornerback Sojourn Shelton was named first-team All-Big Ten for a season in which he recorded four interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Senior safety Leo Musso, the Badgers’ MVP, finished with a team-high five picks, while fellow safety Dixon grabbed four and Tindal had three at corner.

A product of tiny Tony, Wisconsin, Leonhard arrived on campus in 2001 as an unheralded, 5-foot-8 walk-on and left four years later as a three-time first-team All-American. He played in every game of his four-year career, including each of the last 39 as a starting safety, en route to becoming one of the best defensive players in school history.

He matched UW’s school record with 21 interceptions in his career, the fourth-most in Big Ten history, and finished with 50 passes defended — 25 of which came during his breakout sophomore season in 2002. His nation-leading 11 interceptions that year tied the Big Ten’s single-season record.

Leonhard went on to earn first-team All-America laurels that season and became the first sophomore to be named Wisconsin’s team MVP since 1947.

The following season, Leonhard proved those numbers were no fluke, again being named a first-team All-American. He led the Big Ten once again with eight interceptions, including a key fourth-quarter pick in Wisconsin’s 17-10 upset of No. 3 Ohio State, and tied for the team lead with 98 tackles. He also returned two punts for touchdowns and broke his own school record with 470 punt return yards.

As a senior, Leonhard again earned first-team All-America honors and was a finalist for the inaugural Lott IMPACT Trophy. He finished his career with 21 interceptions, tying Jamar Fletcher’s school record. He also broke the Big Ten record with 1,347 career punt return yards, a mark that currently ranks second in league annals.

In addition to his three All-America nods and three first-team All-Big Ten honors, Leonhard excelled in the classroom as well. A two-time Academic All-American, he joined Alan Ameche, Dave Mohapp and Don Davey as the only Badgers to earn that distinction multiple times. He was also one of 15 players nationally to earn a post-graduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation in 2004.

Though he went undrafted, Leonhard put together a 10-year NFL career with Buffalo, Baltimore, the New York Jets, Denver, New Orleans and Cleveland. He played in 142 games over his 10-year NFL career, starting 73 of them. He made 14 career interceptions and averaged 9.2 yards per punt return.

He earned a spot on the Bills’ 53-man roster after signing as an undrafted free agent following his senior season and spent three seasons in Buffalo, playing in 38 games.

Leonhard got his big break in 2008 after signing with the Baltimore Ravens. Following an injury to Dawan Landry, he started 16 of Baltimore’s final 17 games, including all three in the playoffs. He signed with the New York Jets the following season and started 40 games over the next three seasons. He then played for the Denver Broncos in 2012 and the Bills again in 2013 before retiring following the 2014 season with the Cleveland Browns.

Leonhard, 36, and his wife Katie have three sons, Reese, Graham and Pierce.

 

[Merlin]

View attachment 33293

 

[dieterbrock]

First of all, great work!!! @Merlin What a cool thread!!

Venables is more likely a step away from a HC job, not sure if taking an NFL gig at DC would even help him in that regards. That said, he'd be on the short list if he was looking for NFL opportunity. Not sure what's left to do at Clemson for him

 

[Merlin]

Todd Grantham - Football Coach - Florida Gators

Restoring the tradition of defensive excellence at the University of Florida, Todd Grantham’s impact in his first three seasons as UF’s Defensive Coordinator has

floridagators.com

Restoring the tradition of defensive excellence at the University of Florida, Todd Grantham’s impact in his first season as UF’s Defensive Coordinator in 2018 was immense.

UF also led the nation in fourth quarter opponent passing efficiency (66.25) and were second nationally in fourth quarter opponent completion percentage (40.5) last season. In addition, the Gators’ 26 takeaways in 2018 ranked tied for 11th nationally, and they scored 85 points off those turnovers.

Grantham followed Mullen from Mississippi State where he spent the 2017 season as the Bulldogs defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Overall, Grantham has 32 years of coaching experience that includes 12 seasons as a defensive coordinator.

He has served as a DC with four college programs (Florida, 2018; MSU, 2017; Louisville, 2014-16; Georgia, 2010-13) and one NFL team (Cleveland Browns, 2005-07).

Grantham’s impressive resume includes an 11-year NFL career, lastly as the Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach.

He was with the Cowboys for two years (2008-09) after spending three seasons as defensive coordinator with the Browns, and six years as defensive line coach for both the Houston Texans (2002-04) and Indianapolis Colts (1999-01).

In 2007, Grantham’s defense helped Cleveland to a 10-win season.

Prior to his tenure with the Colts, Grantham made his name in the collegiate ranks, when he served for three seasons as Michigan State’s defensive line coach and one as assistant head coach at Michigan State under Nick Saban.

Grantham also spent six years (1990-95) at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, coaching defensive ends and inside linebackers (1990-91) and defensive tackles (1992-93).

During his career, Grantham worked under several successful defensive minds on both the pro and college levels, including Saban, Frank Beamer and Bud Foster at Virginia Tech, Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, Dom Capers in Houston and Wade Phillips in Dallas.

Florida (2018)
Florida’s defense -- in spite of a depleted secondary and being without 2017 Coaches SEC All-Freshman Team cornerback Marco Wilson since the loss to Kentucky -- made huge improvements under Todd Grantham:

Category ‘17 Stats FBS Rank ‘18 Stats FBS Rank Change
Fumble Recoveries 3 t-125th 12 t-12th +113
Forced Fumbles 3 t-129th 11 t-52nd +77
Takeaways 17 t-81st 26 t-11th +70
Passing Efficiency Defense 130.87 73rd 112.69 17th +56
Scoring Defense 27.3 69th 20.0 20th +49
Yards Per Play 5.73 73rd 5.12 33rd +40
Sacks Per Game (Total) 2.09 (23) t-59th 2.85 (37) t-20th +39

UF also led the nation in fourth quarter opponent passing efficiency (66.25) and were second nationally in fourth quarter opponent completion percentage (40.5).

Meanwhile, Florida’s 26 takeaways ranked tied for 11th nationally, and they scored 85 points off those turnovers. It marked only the fourth time since 2008, when Florida set a school record with an insane +24 turnover margin, the Gators finished the season ranked higher than 33rd nationally in turnover margin.

Season Margin Takeaways Giveaways FBS Rank
2018 * +12 26 14 t-7th
2017 -3 17 20 t-85th
2016 +2 24 22 t-47th
2015 * +8 25 17 t-22nd
2014 +6 30 24 t-33rd
2013 -2 18 20 t-73rd
2012 * +15 30 15 t-7th
2011 -12 14 26 t-113th
2010 +2 29 27 t-45th
2009 * +7 23 16 t-20th

UF’s 12 fumble recoveries (its third-highest total since 2005 [‘05 - 15; ‘14 - 14]) ranked tied for 12th in the FBS.

Individually, Grantham tutored Jachai Polite to an All-American caliber season and coached Jabari Zuniga, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, C.J. Henderson and Trey Dean III to All-SEC type seasons.

Polite tied Clifford Charlton’s 1986 single-season school record for forced fumbles with FBS-leading six and he became the fourth Gator in history with at least eight career forced fumbles, joining Charlton (15 –1984-87), Guss Scott (11 – 2000-03), and Alex Brown (9 – 1997-2001). In addition, Polite was one of two players in the country to record at least five forced fumbles and 10-plus sacks. The Daytona Beach, Fla. native finished the season with 17.5 tackles-for-loss, which left him a 0.5 tackles for loss shy of tying Alex Brown’s 1999 season for the 10th-highest single-season total in school history.

For his outstanding play on the field, here is the complete list of accolades he earned:

• SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Miss. St)
• Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week (FSU)
• Bednarik Award Semifinalist (DL)
• AP First Team All-SEC (DE)
• Coaches First Team All-SEC (DL)
• AP All-America Second Team (DE)
• Athlon Sports First Team All-SEC (DL)
• ESPN First Team All-SEC (DL)
• Phil Steele All-American Third Team (DL)
• Phil Steele All-SEC First Team (DL)

Zuniga, who totaled career-highs in tackles (45), tackles-for-loss (11), sacks (6.5) and quarterback hurries (4), was named to the Ted Hendricks Award Watch List and earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after UF’s win over Colorado State.

Moreover, Polite and Zuniga became the first pair of Gators with at least 11 tackles-for-loss in a season since the trio of Jon Bullard (17.5), Antonio Morrison (12.0) and Jarrad Davis (11.0) all reached that mark in 2015. They are also the first pair of Gators defensive linemen to reach that total in a season since Jaye Howard (12.0) and Justin Trattou (11.0) did it in 2010.

Gardner-Johnson finished third on the team with a career-high 71 tackles, including nine tackles-for-loss, three sacks and four interceptions. His four INTs ranked tied for 16th in the country and tied for second in the SEC. After he snagged a pair of interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, Gardner-Johnson was named the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Defensive MVP. In addition for his efforts, the Cocoa, Fla. native garnered AP All-Bowl Team honors.

Henderson, who’s regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the entire country, flourished under the direction of Grantham as he totaled 38 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, three sacks, two interceptions, team-high seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles. For his efforts on the field, Henderson earned Coaches’ All-SEC Second Team honors and Athlon Sports Third Team All-SEC accolades.

Dean, who began the season as a key member of Florida’s special teams units and reserve defensive back, had to step up after All-SEC corner Marco Wilson sustained a season-ending injury against Kentucky. With Charlton Warren and Todd Grantham working with him each day, Dean moved into a prominent role and started nine of the final 10 games where he tallied 26 tackles, one interception and six passes defensed. Those six pass breakups ranked second on the team behind Henderson and he earned Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team honors.

Mississippi State (2017)
Grantham, a nominee for the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in the country, made an immediate splash in his lone year as defensive coordinator in Starkville. In his fifth season as a defensive coordinator in the SEC, Grantham guided the best MSU defense in recent memory.

Category	2017 Stats	2017 Rank in SEC / FBS	Best at MSU Since…
Total Defense	302.0	3rd / 10th	1999 (222.5)
Pass Defense	175.0	4th / 13th	2007 (174.9)
Rush Defense	127.0	4th / 24th	2010 (119.1)
First Down Defense	13.2	1st / 1st	1963 (10.2)
Scoring Defense	20.4	5th / 24th	2011 (19.7)
Yards Per Play	5.2	5th / 39th	1999 (3.3)
Third Down Defense	31.0%	1st / 12th	1999 (27.0%)

In addition, MSU produced six non-offensive touchdowns in 2017, including a league-leading four defensive scores. The Bulldogs returned an interception for a touchdown in three straight games, a first since 2007. They achieved this feat against Kentucky, Texas A&M and UMass.

Louisville (2014-16)
Grantham’s squads at Louisville ranked in the top-20 nationally in either scoring or total defense in all three years he was there.

Grantham’s commitment to an aggressive and physical style was evident in Louisville’s run defense, which finished top-15 nationally in all three of his seasons. The Cardinals were 12th against the run in 2016 (115.2 ypg), 14th in 2015 (120.2 ypg) and No. 10 in 2014 (108.9 ypg). They notably held All-American and Doak Walker Award finalist Dalvin Cook to only 54 yards on the ground in a 63-20 victory over Florida State on Sept. 17, 2016. From 2012-16, Louisville ranked second nationally in yards per carry defense (3.3) behind only Alabama (2.6).

Grantham’s unit finished No. 14 nationally in total defense in 2016 (322.2 ypg), No. 18 in 2015 (332.8 ypg) and No. 6 in 2014 (308.5). His 2014 squad led the nation in interceptions with 26, while the Cardinals posted a three-year total of 58, which was tops nationally during that span.
Grantham, a native of Pulaski, Va., saw eight players drafted into the NFL during his tenure at Louisville, including safety Josh Harvey-Clemons to the Washington Redskins in 2017. He tutored Devonte’ Fields, who led the country in tackles for loss per game (1.73) in 2015 and was voted first-team All-ACC in 2016.

During his time in Louisville, Grantham shaped the development of many student-athletes, including 2016 first round draft pick Sheldon Rankins. Selected 12th overall by the Saints, Rankins wreaked havoc on offenses once Grantham arrived in 2014. In his two years under Grantham, the defensive lineman totaled 111 total tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 14.0 sacks and two interceptions for the Cardinals.

Grantham also developed outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin into a first-team All-ACC selection in 2014 and a third round 2015 NFL Draft selection of the New York Jets. The Cardinals’ other starting linebacker that season, Deiontrez Mount, was a sixth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans.

Georgia (2010-13)
Grantham joined the Louisville staff after four seasons as Georgia’s defensive coordinator (2010-13), including two seasons as the associate head coach under Mark Richt. During his time with Georgia, the Bulldogs advanced to four consecutive bowl games and compiled a 36-18-1 record with Grantham at the helm of the defense.

The 2012 season saw the Bulldogs finish with a 12-2 record, which included a loss to Alabama, the eventual national champion, in the SEC Championship Game. Georgia, champions of the Capital One Bowl, ended the campaign 18th in the country in scoring defense (19.6 ppg), holding five opponents to 10 or fewer points, and eighth nationally in pass defense (175.6 ypg).

In his second season at Georgia in 2011, the defense showed a dramatic jump in the national statistics. The group finished the year fifth nationally in total defense (277.2 ypg; 11th versus rushing, 10th versus passing), third in third-down defense (28.9 percent), fifth in interceptions (20), and seventh in turnovers gained (32), which ranked first in the SEC.

Grantham’s list of former players at UGA is a remarkable one. In 2013, Grantham had two linebackers taken in the first round, Jarvis Jones (17th overall pick by Pittsburgh) and Alec Ogletree (30th overall pick by St. Louis). Grantham also coached current NFL defensive stars Justin Houston, a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker for Kansas City, and Geno Atkins, a five-time Pro Bowl lineman for Cincinnati.

Dallas Cowboys (2008-09)
At the conclusion of the 2009 regular season, the Cowboys' defensive unit ranked second in the NFL in scoring defense (15.6 points per game), fourth in rushing defense (90.5 yards per game), seventh in sacks (42.0 per game), and ninth in total defense (315.9 yards per game). The Dallas defensive unit finished eighth in the NFL in total defense in 2008 and led the league with 59 sacks - 13.5 coming from the defensive linemen.

In addition, Dallas nose guard Jay Ratliff, a sixth round draft choice, has been named to two consecutive Pro-Bowls and was named to the sportswriters All-Pro team. In addition, All-Pro Demarcus Ware recorded a career high 20 sacks in 2008.

Cleveland Browns (2005-07)
In 2007, Cleveland surfaced as one of the most improved teams in the NFL by compiling a 10-6 record after posting a 4-12 mark in 2006. Under Grantham's watch as defensive coordinator, the Browns 2007 secondary tandem of cornerback Leigh Bodden and safety Sean Jones recorded a combined total 11 interceptions. Bodden's six tied for fifth in the league, while Jones' five tied for ninth.

Grantham's defensive unit ranked 15th in the NFL in pass defense (202.6 yards-per-game) during the 2006 season, despite his secondary being decimated with injuries (defensive backs Daylon McCutcheon, Gary Baxter and Bodden). His secondary witnessed the emergence of safety Jones and defensive back Daven Holly, who tied for the team lead with five interceptions each.

In his first season with the Browns in 2005, Grantham's defensive unit finished first in the AFC in red zone defense (44.0 touchdown percentage), fourth in the NFL in pass defense (179.2 yards-per-game), 11th in points allowed (17.7 points-per-game) and tied for 16th in total defense (316.8 yards-per-game).

Houston Texans (2002-04)
In 2004 the Texans defense ranked 13th in the NFL against the run and had a streak of seven consecutive games without allowing a rushing score (10/10/04 - 11/28/04).

In 2003 Grantham's defensive line unit was devastated by injuries, as nose tackle Seth Payne suffered a season ending knee injury in week two, and Pro Bowl defensive end Gary Walker played in just four games due to shoulder and toe injuries. Despite the injuries, Grantham was able to mix and match his defensive linemen effectively as defensive tackle Jerry Deloach collected a career-high 109 tackles and nose tackle Steve Martin racked up 92 stops in only 14 games.

In 2002 Grantham's three starters (Walker, Payne, Deloach) all produced career-high numbers in tackles and Walker earned his second Pro Bowl invitation after recording 115 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

Indianapolis Colts (1998-01)
At Indianapolis, Grantham's 2001 defensive line registered 96 sacks over three seasons, helping the Colts post a 29-19 record and advance to the playoffs twice. Indianapolis' 10-win improvement from 1998 to 1999 marked the greatest one-season turnaround in league history. In 1999 and 2000, the Colts posted 56 sacks, the highest two-year total for the club since it moved to Indianapolis.

Michigan State (1996-98)
After playing in only two bowl games in the previous five years, Michigan State made a postseason appearances in each of Grantham’s three years in East Lansing. Defensively, Grantham and head coach Nick Saban’s defenses ranked 19th in total defense in 1996 and 13th in 1997. In 1998, the Spartans upset the No. 1 ranked Ohio State 28–24 at Ohio Stadium.

Virginia Tech (1990-95)
Grantham helped engineer the Hokies finest defense during his tenure in Blacksburg in 1995 when they ranked first nationally in rushing defense, fifth in scoring defense, and 10th in total defense. Virginia Tech totaled 50 sacks en route to the BIG EAST title and a Sugar Bowl triumph over Texas.

Background
Grantham played guard and tackle for the Hokies from 1984-88. He earned second-team All-South and honorable mention All-America honors as a senior. He earned a bachelor's degree in sports management from Virginia Tech in 1989.

Born Sept. 13, 1966, in Pulaski, Va., Grantham and his wife, Paige, have a son, Corbin, and a daughter, Olivia.

Coaching History

Seasons	School/Team	Title/Position Coached
2018-Present	Florida	Defensive Coordinator
2017	Mississippi State	Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
2014-16	Louisville	Defensive Coordinator
2012-13	Georgia	Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Outside Linebackers
2010-11	Georgia	Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
2008-09	Dallas Cowboys	Defensive Line
2005-07	Cleveland Browns	Defensive Coordinator
2002-04	Houston Texans	Defensive Line
1999-2001	Indianapolis Colts	Defensive Line
1998	Michigan State	Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line
1996-97	Michigan State	Defensive Line
1994-95	Virginia Tech	Defensive Line
1992-93	Virginia Tech	Defensive Tackles
1990-91	Virginia Tech	Defensive Ends / Linebackers

Postseason History

Season	Bowl / Playoff Game	Opponent	Result
2018	Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Florida)	Michigan	W, 41-15
2016	Citrus Bowl (Louisville)	LSU	L, 29-9
2015	Music City Bowl (Louisville)	Texas A&M	W, 27-21
2014	Belk Bowl (Louisville)	Georgia	L, 37-14
2013	Taxslayer.com Bowl (Georgia)	Nebraska	L, 24-19
2012	Capital One Bowl (Georgia)	Nebraska	W, 45-31
2011	Outback Bowl (Georgia)	Michigan State	L, 33-30
2010	Liberty Bowl (Georgia)	UCF	L, 10-6
2009	NFC Divisional Round (Dallas Cowboys)	Minnesota Vikings	L, 34-3
2000	AFC Wild Card (Indianapolis Colts)	Miami Dolphins	L, 23-17
1999	AFC Divisional Round (Indianapolis Colts)	Tennessee Titans	L, 19-16
1997	Aloha Bowl (Michigan State)	Washington	L, 51-23
1996	Sun Bowl (Michigan State)	Stanford	L, 38-0
1995	Sugar Bowl (Virginia Tech)	Texas	W, 28-10
1994	Gator Bowl (Virginia Tech)	Tennessee	L, 45-23
1993	Independence Bowl (Virginia Tech)	Indiana	W, 45-20

NFL Players (Round Drafted)
DT Jeffery Simmons (1st) - MSU '19 - Tennessee Titans
DE Montez Sweat (1st) - MSU '19 - Washington Redskins
S Johnathan Abram (1st) - MSU '19 - Oakland Raiders
DL Jachai Polite (3rd) – Florida ’19 – New York Jets
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (4th) – Florida ’19 – New Orleans
LB Vosean Joseph (5th) – Florida ’19 – Buffalo Bills
DE Gerri Green (6th) - MSU '19 - Indianapolis Colts
CB Jaire Alexander (1st) – Louisville ’18 – Green Bay Packers
DE Trevon Young (6th) – Louisville ’18 – Los Angeles Rams
S Josh Harvey-Clemons (7th) – Louisville ’17 – Washington Redskins
DT Sheldon Rankins (1st) – Louisville ’16 – New Orleans Saints
LB Leonard Floyd (1st) – Georgia ’16 – Chicago Bears
LB Jordan Jenkins (3rd) – Georgia ’16 – New York Jets
LB Lorenzo Mauldin IV (3rd) – Louisville ’15 – New York Jets
S James Sample (4th) – Louisville ’15 – Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Ramik Wilson (4th) – Georgia ’15 – Kansas City Chiefs
CB Damain Swann (5th) – Georgia ’15 – New Orleans Saints
LB Deiontrez Mount (6th) – Louisville ’15 – Tennessee Titans
CB Charles Gaines (6th) – Louisville ’15 – Cleveland Browns
DE B.J. Dubose (6th) – Louisville ’15 – Minnesota Vikings
LB Amario Herrera (6th) – Georgia ’15 – Indianapolis Colts
S Gerod Holliman (7th) – Louisville ’15 – Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Jarvis Jones (1st) – Georgia ’13 – Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Alec Ogletree (1st) – Georgia ’13 – St. Louis Rams
DT John Jenkins (3rd) – Georgia ’13 – New Orleans Saints
S Shawn Williams (3rd) – Georgia ’13 – Cincinnati Bengals
CB Sanders Commings (5th) – Georgia ’13 – Kansas City Chiefs
DE Cornelius Washington (6th) – Georgia ’13 – Chicago Bears
S Baccari Rambo (6th) – Georgia ’13 – Washington Redskins
CB Brandon Boykin (4th) – Georgia ’12 – Philadelphia Eagles
DT DeAngelo Tyson (7th) – Georgia ’12 – Baltimore Ravens
LB Justin Houston (3rd) – Georgia ’11 – Kansas City Chiefs
LB Akeem Dent (3rd) – Georgia ’11 – Atlanta Falcons
DT Robaire Smith (6th) – Michigan State ’00 – Tennessee Titans
DE Dimitrius Underwood (1st) – Michigan State ’99 – Minnesota Vikings
DE Cornell Brown (6th) – Virginia Tech ’97 – Baltimore Ravens
DT J.C. Price (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’96 – Carolina Panthers
LB Al Chamblee (12th) – Virginia Tech ’91 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Personal Information
Birthdate: Sept. 13, 1966
Hometown: Pulaski, Va.
Education: Bachelor’s from Virginia Tech, 1989
Wife: Paige
Children: Corbin, Olivia

 

[Merlin]

First of all, great work!!! @Merlin What a cool thread!!

Venables is more likely a step away from a HC job, not sure if taking an NFL gig at DC would even help him in that regards. That said, he'd be on the short list if he was looking for NFL opportunity. Not sure what's left to do at Clemson for him

Yeah I think Venables is a longshot. Just trying to include most of the options.

Obviously I'm bored this morning. Wife has now swooped in to change all that lol.

 

[den-the-coach]

Mike Macdonald
LINEBACKERS COACH
College: Georgia
Hometown: Boston, MA
Experience: 5 years


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.

 

[Dieter the Brock]

View attachment 33295

This thread is actually awesome - much appreciated. Just couldn’t help myself

 

[den-the-coach]

OMG does the Ravens Linebacker Coach Mike Macdonald look just like a young John Harbaugh or is it me?

 

[Merlin]

OMG does the Ravens Linebacker Coach Mike Macdonald look just like a young John Harbaugh or is it me?
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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdmGO-GvHyo

 

[AZRams]

Dave Aranda

lsusports.net

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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

Cal Lu!?

Go Kingsmen!

 

[GoodBadUgly]

Steve Spagnualo

Aside from BS "Pillars" methodology and poor head coaching skills, has produced a few of the best defensive performances in NFL history.

Since he's shown willingness to be a DC only, we should grab him and win a few more Super Bowls.

 

[Loyal]

Yeah I think Venables is a longshot. Just trying to include most of the options.

Obviously I'm bored this morning. Wife has now swooped in to change all that lol.

TLAWNAMTR.
(Too Long ADHD Would Not Allow Me To Read)

 

[jrry32]

Todd Grantham - Football Coach - Florida Gators

Restoring the tradition of defensive excellence at the University of Florida, Todd Grantham’s impact in his first three seasons as UF’s Defensive Coordinator has

floridagators.com

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Restoring the tradition of defensive excellence at the University of Florida, Todd Grantham’s impact in his first season as UF’s Defensive Coordinator in 2018 was immense.

UF also led the nation in fourth quarter opponent passing efficiency (66.25) and were second nationally in fourth quarter opponent completion percentage (40.5) last season. In addition, the Gators’ 26 takeaways in 2018 ranked tied for 11th nationally, and they scored 85 points off those turnovers.

Grantham followed Mullen from Mississippi State where he spent the 2017 season as the Bulldogs defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Overall, Grantham has 32 years of coaching experience that includes 12 seasons as a defensive coordinator.

He has served as a DC with four college programs (Florida, 2018; MSU, 2017; Louisville, 2014-16; Georgia, 2010-13) and one NFL team (Cleveland Browns, 2005-07).

Grantham’s impressive resume includes an 11-year NFL career, lastly as the Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach.

He was with the Cowboys for two years (2008-09) after spending three seasons as defensive coordinator with the Browns, and six years as defensive line coach for both the Houston Texans (2002-04) and Indianapolis Colts (1999-01).

In 2007, Grantham’s defense helped Cleveland to a 10-win season.

Prior to his tenure with the Colts, Grantham made his name in the collegiate ranks, when he served for three seasons as Michigan State’s defensive line coach and one as assistant head coach at Michigan State under Nick Saban.

Grantham also spent six years (1990-95) at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, coaching defensive ends and inside linebackers (1990-91) and defensive tackles (1992-93).

During his career, Grantham worked under several successful defensive minds on both the pro and college levels, including Saban, Frank Beamer and Bud Foster at Virginia Tech, Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, Dom Capers in Houston and Wade Phillips in Dallas.

Florida (2018)
Florida’s defense -- in spite of a depleted secondary and being without 2017 Coaches SEC All-Freshman Team cornerback Marco Wilson since the loss to Kentucky -- made huge improvements under Todd Grantham:

Category ‘17 Stats FBS Rank ‘18 Stats FBS Rank Change
Fumble Recoveries 3 t-125th 12 t-12th +113
Forced Fumbles 3 t-129th 11 t-52nd +77
Takeaways 17 t-81st 26 t-11th +70
Passing Efficiency Defense 130.87 73rd 112.69 17th +56
Scoring Defense 27.3 69th 20.0 20th +49
Yards Per Play 5.73 73rd 5.12 33rd +40
Sacks Per Game (Total) 2.09 (23) t-59th 2.85 (37) t-20th +39

UF also led the nation in fourth quarter opponent passing efficiency (66.25) and were second nationally in fourth quarter opponent completion percentage (40.5).

Meanwhile, Florida’s 26 takeaways ranked tied for 11th nationally, and they scored 85 points off those turnovers. It marked only the fourth time since 2008, when Florida set a school record with an insane +24 turnover margin, the Gators finished the season ranked higher than 33rd nationally in turnover margin.

Season Margin Takeaways Giveaways FBS Rank
2018 * +12 26 14 t-7th
2017 -3 17 20 t-85th
2016 +2 24 22 t-47th
2015 * +8 25 17 t-22nd
2014 +6 30 24 t-33rd
2013 -2 18 20 t-73rd
2012 * +15 30 15 t-7th
2011 -12 14 26 t-113th
2010 +2 29 27 t-45th
2009 * +7 23 16 t-20th

UF’s 12 fumble recoveries (its third-highest total since 2005 [‘05 - 15; ‘14 - 14]) ranked tied for 12th in the FBS.

Individually, Grantham tutored Jachai Polite to an All-American caliber season and coached Jabari Zuniga, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, C.J. Henderson and Trey Dean III to All-SEC type seasons.

Polite tied Clifford Charlton’s 1986 single-season school record for forced fumbles with FBS-leading six and he became the fourth Gator in history with at least eight career forced fumbles, joining Charlton (15 –1984-87), Guss Scott (11 – 2000-03), and Alex Brown (9 – 1997-2001). In addition, Polite was one of two players in the country to record at least five forced fumbles and 10-plus sacks. The Daytona Beach, Fla. native finished the season with 17.5 tackles-for-loss, which left him a 0.5 tackles for loss shy of tying Alex Brown’s 1999 season for the 10th-highest single-season total in school history.

For his outstanding play on the field, here is the complete list of accolades he earned:

• SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Miss. St)
• Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week (FSU)
• Bednarik Award Semifinalist (DL)
• AP First Team All-SEC (DE)
• Coaches First Team All-SEC (DL)
• AP All-America Second Team (DE)
• Athlon Sports First Team All-SEC (DL)
• ESPN First Team All-SEC (DL)
• Phil Steele All-American Third Team (DL)
• Phil Steele All-SEC First Team (DL)

Zuniga, who totaled career-highs in tackles (45), tackles-for-loss (11), sacks (6.5) and quarterback hurries (4), was named to the Ted Hendricks Award Watch List and earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after UF’s win over Colorado State.

Moreover, Polite and Zuniga became the first pair of Gators with at least 11 tackles-for-loss in a season since the trio of Jon Bullard (17.5), Antonio Morrison (12.0) and Jarrad Davis (11.0) all reached that mark in 2015. They are also the first pair of Gators defensive linemen to reach that total in a season since Jaye Howard (12.0) and Justin Trattou (11.0) did it in 2010.

Gardner-Johnson finished third on the team with a career-high 71 tackles, including nine tackles-for-loss, three sacks and four interceptions. His four INTs ranked tied for 16th in the country and tied for second in the SEC. After he snagged a pair of interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, Gardner-Johnson was named the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Defensive MVP. In addition for his efforts, the Cocoa, Fla. native garnered AP All-Bowl Team honors.

Henderson, who’s regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the entire country, flourished under the direction of Grantham as he totaled 38 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, three sacks, two interceptions, team-high seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles. For his efforts on the field, Henderson earned Coaches’ All-SEC Second Team honors and Athlon Sports Third Team All-SEC accolades.

Dean, who began the season as a key member of Florida’s special teams units and reserve defensive back, had to step up after All-SEC corner Marco Wilson sustained a season-ending injury against Kentucky. With Charlton Warren and Todd Grantham working with him each day, Dean moved into a prominent role and started nine of the final 10 games where he tallied 26 tackles, one interception and six passes defensed. Those six pass breakups ranked second on the team behind Henderson and he earned Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team honors.

Mississippi State (2017)
Grantham, a nominee for the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in the country, made an immediate splash in his lone year as defensive coordinator in Starkville. In his fifth season as a defensive coordinator in the SEC, Grantham guided the best MSU defense in recent memory.

Category	2017 Stats	2017 Rank in SEC / FBS	Best at MSU Since…
Total Defense	302.0	3rd / 10th	1999 (222.5)
Pass Defense	175.0	4th / 13th	2007 (174.9)
Rush Defense	127.0	4th / 24th	2010 (119.1)
First Down Defense	13.2	1st / 1st	1963 (10.2)
Scoring Defense	20.4	5th / 24th	2011 (19.7)
Yards Per Play	5.2	5th / 39th	1999 (3.3)
Third Down Defense	31.0%	1st / 12th	1999 (27.0%)

In addition, MSU produced six non-offensive touchdowns in 2017, including a league-leading four defensive scores. The Bulldogs returned an interception for a touchdown in three straight games, a first since 2007. They achieved this feat against Kentucky, Texas A&M and UMass.

Louisville (2014-16)
Grantham’s squads at Louisville ranked in the top-20 nationally in either scoring or total defense in all three years he was there.

Grantham’s commitment to an aggressive and physical style was evident in Louisville’s run defense, which finished top-15 nationally in all three of his seasons. The Cardinals were 12th against the run in 2016 (115.2 ypg), 14th in 2015 (120.2 ypg) and No. 10 in 2014 (108.9 ypg). They notably held All-American and Doak Walker Award finalist Dalvin Cook to only 54 yards on the ground in a 63-20 victory over Florida State on Sept. 17, 2016. From 2012-16, Louisville ranked second nationally in yards per carry defense (3.3) behind only Alabama (2.6).

Grantham’s unit finished No. 14 nationally in total defense in 2016 (322.2 ypg), No. 18 in 2015 (332.8 ypg) and No. 6 in 2014 (308.5). His 2014 squad led the nation in interceptions with 26, while the Cardinals posted a three-year total of 58, which was tops nationally during that span.
Grantham, a native of Pulaski, Va., saw eight players drafted into the NFL during his tenure at Louisville, including safety Josh Harvey-Clemons to the Washington Redskins in 2017. He tutored Devonte’ Fields, who led the country in tackles for loss per game (1.73) in 2015 and was voted first-team All-ACC in 2016.

During his time in Louisville, Grantham shaped the development of many student-athletes, including 2016 first round draft pick Sheldon Rankins. Selected 12th overall by the Saints, Rankins wreaked havoc on offenses once Grantham arrived in 2014. In his two years under Grantham, the defensive lineman totaled 111 total tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 14.0 sacks and two interceptions for the Cardinals.

Grantham also developed outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin into a first-team All-ACC selection in 2014 and a third round 2015 NFL Draft selection of the New York Jets. The Cardinals’ other starting linebacker that season, Deiontrez Mount, was a sixth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans.

Georgia (2010-13)
Grantham joined the Louisville staff after four seasons as Georgia’s defensive coordinator (2010-13), including two seasons as the associate head coach under Mark Richt. During his time with Georgia, the Bulldogs advanced to four consecutive bowl games and compiled a 36-18-1 record with Grantham at the helm of the defense.

The 2012 season saw the Bulldogs finish with a 12-2 record, which included a loss to Alabama, the eventual national champion, in the SEC Championship Game. Georgia, champions of the Capital One Bowl, ended the campaign 18th in the country in scoring defense (19.6 ppg), holding five opponents to 10 or fewer points, and eighth nationally in pass defense (175.6 ypg).

In his second season at Georgia in 2011, the defense showed a dramatic jump in the national statistics. The group finished the year fifth nationally in total defense (277.2 ypg; 11th versus rushing, 10th versus passing), third in third-down defense (28.9 percent), fifth in interceptions (20), and seventh in turnovers gained (32), which ranked first in the SEC.

Grantham’s list of former players at UGA is a remarkable one. In 2013, Grantham had two linebackers taken in the first round, Jarvis Jones (17th overall pick by Pittsburgh) and Alec Ogletree (30th overall pick by St. Louis). Grantham also coached current NFL defensive stars Justin Houston, a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker for Kansas City, and Geno Atkins, a five-time Pro Bowl lineman for Cincinnati.

Dallas Cowboys (2008-09)
At the conclusion of the 2009 regular season, the Cowboys' defensive unit ranked second in the NFL in scoring defense (15.6 points per game), fourth in rushing defense (90.5 yards per game), seventh in sacks (42.0 per game), and ninth in total defense (315.9 yards per game). The Dallas defensive unit finished eighth in the NFL in total defense in 2008 and led the league with 59 sacks - 13.5 coming from the defensive linemen.

In addition, Dallas nose guard Jay Ratliff, a sixth round draft choice, has been named to two consecutive Pro-Bowls and was named to the sportswriters All-Pro team. In addition, All-Pro Demarcus Ware recorded a career high 20 sacks in 2008.

Cleveland Browns (2005-07)
In 2007, Cleveland surfaced as one of the most improved teams in the NFL by compiling a 10-6 record after posting a 4-12 mark in 2006. Under Grantham's watch as defensive coordinator, the Browns 2007 secondary tandem of cornerback Leigh Bodden and safety Sean Jones recorded a combined total 11 interceptions. Bodden's six tied for fifth in the league, while Jones' five tied for ninth.

Grantham's defensive unit ranked 15th in the NFL in pass defense (202.6 yards-per-game) during the 2006 season, despite his secondary being decimated with injuries (defensive backs Daylon McCutcheon, Gary Baxter and Bodden). His secondary witnessed the emergence of safety Jones and defensive back Daven Holly, who tied for the team lead with five interceptions each.

In his first season with the Browns in 2005, Grantham's defensive unit finished first in the AFC in red zone defense (44.0 touchdown percentage), fourth in the NFL in pass defense (179.2 yards-per-game), 11th in points allowed (17.7 points-per-game) and tied for 16th in total defense (316.8 yards-per-game).

Houston Texans (2002-04)
In 2004 the Texans defense ranked 13th in the NFL against the run and had a streak of seven consecutive games without allowing a rushing score (10/10/04 - 11/28/04).

In 2003 Grantham's defensive line unit was devastated by injuries, as nose tackle Seth Payne suffered a season ending knee injury in week two, and Pro Bowl defensive end Gary Walker played in just four games due to shoulder and toe injuries. Despite the injuries, Grantham was able to mix and match his defensive linemen effectively as defensive tackle Jerry Deloach collected a career-high 109 tackles and nose tackle Steve Martin racked up 92 stops in only 14 games.

In 2002 Grantham's three starters (Walker, Payne, Deloach) all produced career-high numbers in tackles and Walker earned his second Pro Bowl invitation after recording 115 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

Indianapolis Colts (1998-01)
At Indianapolis, Grantham's 2001 defensive line registered 96 sacks over three seasons, helping the Colts post a 29-19 record and advance to the playoffs twice. Indianapolis' 10-win improvement from 1998 to 1999 marked the greatest one-season turnaround in league history. In 1999 and 2000, the Colts posted 56 sacks, the highest two-year total for the club since it moved to Indianapolis.

Michigan State (1996-98)
After playing in only two bowl games in the previous five years, Michigan State made a postseason appearances in each of Grantham’s three years in East Lansing. Defensively, Grantham and head coach Nick Saban’s defenses ranked 19th in total defense in 1996 and 13th in 1997. In 1998, the Spartans upset the No. 1 ranked Ohio State 28–24 at Ohio Stadium.

Virginia Tech (1990-95)
Grantham helped engineer the Hokies finest defense during his tenure in Blacksburg in 1995 when they ranked first nationally in rushing defense, fifth in scoring defense, and 10th in total defense. Virginia Tech totaled 50 sacks en route to the BIG EAST title and a Sugar Bowl triumph over Texas.

Background
Grantham played guard and tackle for the Hokies from 1984-88. He earned second-team All-South and honorable mention All-America honors as a senior. He earned a bachelor's degree in sports management from Virginia Tech in 1989.

Born Sept. 13, 1966, in Pulaski, Va., Grantham and his wife, Paige, have a son, Corbin, and a daughter, Olivia.

Coaching History

Seasons	School/Team	Title/Position Coached
2018-Present	Florida	Defensive Coordinator
2017	Mississippi State	Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
2014-16	Louisville	Defensive Coordinator
2012-13	Georgia	Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Outside Linebackers
2010-11	Georgia	Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
2008-09	Dallas Cowboys	Defensive Line
2005-07	Cleveland Browns	Defensive Coordinator
2002-04	Houston Texans	Defensive Line
1999-2001	Indianapolis Colts	Defensive Line
1998	Michigan State	Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line
1996-97	Michigan State	Defensive Line
1994-95	Virginia Tech	Defensive Line
1992-93	Virginia Tech	Defensive Tackles
1990-91	Virginia Tech	Defensive Ends / Linebackers

Postseason History

Season	Bowl / Playoff Game	Opponent	Result
2018	Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Florida)	Michigan	W, 41-15
2016	Citrus Bowl (Louisville)	LSU	L, 29-9
2015	Music City Bowl (Louisville)	Texas A&M	W, 27-21
2014	Belk Bowl (Louisville)	Georgia	L, 37-14
2013	Taxslayer.com Bowl (Georgia)	Nebraska	L, 24-19
2012	Capital One Bowl (Georgia)	Nebraska	W, 45-31
2011	Outback Bowl (Georgia)	Michigan State	L, 33-30
2010	Liberty Bowl (Georgia)	UCF	L, 10-6
2009	NFC Divisional Round (Dallas Cowboys)	Minnesota Vikings	L, 34-3
2000	AFC Wild Card (Indianapolis Colts)	Miami Dolphins	L, 23-17
1999	AFC Divisional Round (Indianapolis Colts)	Tennessee Titans	L, 19-16
1997	Aloha Bowl (Michigan State)	Washington	L, 51-23
1996	Sun Bowl (Michigan State)	Stanford	L, 38-0
1995	Sugar Bowl (Virginia Tech)	Texas	W, 28-10
1994	Gator Bowl (Virginia Tech)	Tennessee	L, 45-23
1993	Independence Bowl (Virginia Tech)	Indiana	W, 45-20

NFL Players (Round Drafted)
DT Jeffery Simmons (1st) - MSU '19 - Tennessee Titans
DE Montez Sweat (1st) - MSU '19 - Washington Redskins
S Johnathan Abram (1st) - MSU '19 - Oakland Raiders
DL Jachai Polite (3rd) – Florida ’19 – New York Jets
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (4th) – Florida ’19 – New Orleans
LB Vosean Joseph (5th) – Florida ’19 – Buffalo Bills
DE Gerri Green (6th) - MSU '19 - Indianapolis Colts
CB Jaire Alexander (1st) – Louisville ’18 – Green Bay Packers
DE Trevon Young (6th) – Louisville ’18 – Los Angeles Rams
S Josh Harvey-Clemons (7th) – Louisville ’17 – Washington Redskins
DT Sheldon Rankins (1st) – Louisville ’16 – New Orleans Saints
LB Leonard Floyd (1st) – Georgia ’16 – Chicago Bears
LB Jordan Jenkins (3rd) – Georgia ’16 – New York Jets
LB Lorenzo Mauldin IV (3rd) – Louisville ’15 – New York Jets
S James Sample (4th) – Louisville ’15 – Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Ramik Wilson (4th) – Georgia ’15 – Kansas City Chiefs
CB Damain Swann (5th) – Georgia ’15 – New Orleans Saints
LB Deiontrez Mount (6th) – Louisville ’15 – Tennessee Titans
CB Charles Gaines (6th) – Louisville ’15 – Cleveland Browns
DE B.J. Dubose (6th) – Louisville ’15 – Minnesota Vikings
LB Amario Herrera (6th) – Georgia ’15 – Indianapolis Colts
S Gerod Holliman (7th) – Louisville ’15 – Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Jarvis Jones (1st) – Georgia ’13 – Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Alec Ogletree (1st) – Georgia ’13 – St. Louis Rams
DT John Jenkins (3rd) – Georgia ’13 – New Orleans Saints
S Shawn Williams (3rd) – Georgia ’13 – Cincinnati Bengals
CB Sanders Commings (5th) – Georgia ’13 – Kansas City Chiefs
DE Cornelius Washington (6th) – Georgia ’13 – Chicago Bears
S Baccari Rambo (6th) – Georgia ’13 – Washington Redskins
CB Brandon Boykin (4th) – Georgia ’12 – Philadelphia Eagles
DT DeAngelo Tyson (7th) – Georgia ’12 – Baltimore Ravens
LB Justin Houston (3rd) – Georgia ’11 – Kansas City Chiefs
LB Akeem Dent (3rd) – Georgia ’11 – Atlanta Falcons
DT Robaire Smith (6th) – Michigan State ’00 – Tennessee Titans
DE Dimitrius Underwood (1st) – Michigan State ’99 – Minnesota Vikings
DE Cornell Brown (6th) – Virginia Tech ’97 – Baltimore Ravens
DT J.C. Price (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’96 – Carolina Panthers
LB Al Chamblee (12th) – Virginia Tech ’91 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Personal Information
Birthdate: Sept. 13, 1966
Hometown: Pulaski, Va.
Education: Bachelor’s from Virginia Tech, 1989
Wife: Paige
Children: Corbin, Olivia

Fuck no. And don't forget Jeff Ulbrich.

View attachment 33300 Steve Spagnualo

Aside from BS "Pillars" methodology and poor head coaching skills, has produced a few of the best defensive performances in NFL history.

Since he's shown willingness to be a DC only, we should grab him and win a few more Super Bowls.

He's not available (Chiefs DC). If he were, pass.

 

[Merlin]

Fuck no. And don't forget Jeff Ulbrich.

I looked at him but strongly dislike so much of his experience being under Quinn. Not a fan of Dan Quinn, and I know you and I differ on that.

 

[den-the-coach]

He's not available (Chiefs DC). If he were, pass.

Doing one hell of job with the Chief defense though, don't you think?

 

[GoodBadUgly]

He's not available (Chiefs DC). If he were, pass.

Doing one hell of job with the Chief defense though, don't you think?

...and a lot of these guys are with other programs and "not available". Stan's pockets and a new stadium to fill might result in an offer he can't refuse.

 

[jrry32]

...and a lot of these guys are with other programs and "not available". Stan's pockets and a new stadium to fill might result in an offer he can't refuse.

You can't hire a NFL coordinator who is under contract unless the other team consents.

 

[Merlin]

If I had to put money on any of these types I would go with Mike Smith of Green Bay.

He has varied experience and is under a head coach McVay knows and trusts, and they would likely let him go for a promotion.

 

[jrry32]

I looked at him but strongly dislike so much of his experience being under Quinn. Not a fan of Dan Quinn, and I know you and I differ on that.

He took over the play-calling on 1st and 2nd downs midway through the season, and the Falcons defense improved vastly.

 

[Adi]

I like venables..him and Mcvay have similar energy and thats what this young team needs .

I'm sure mcvay has taken lessons from wade and knows alot more about defense now.