Title: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: hscoach on December 07, 2017, 10:48:33 AM Alabama defensive coordinator is expected to be named Tennessee’s next head coach as soon as today, according to multiple reports. That leaves Alabama looking for a coordinator for the third straight season.
There should be no shortage of coaches who would jump at the chance to work in Tuscaloosa, and Nick Saban may choose to elevate an assistant already on staff as well. The next defensive coordinator will likely have experience with Saban’s system and be a strong recruiter. Here are five candidates to watch, listed alphabetically: Todd Grantham Current position: Florida defensive coordinator Salary: Reported at $1.1 million at Mississippi State History: 2017 – Mississippi State defensive coordinator 2014-16 – Louisville defensive coordinator 2010-13 – Georgia defensive coordinator 2008-09 – Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach 2005-07 – Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator 2002-04 – Houston Texans defensive line coach 1999-01 – Indianapolis Colts defensive line coach 1996-98 – Michigan State defensive line coach 1994-95 – Virginia Tech defensive line coach 1992-93 – Virginia Tech defensive tackles coach 1990-91 – Virginia Tech defensive ends/inside linebackers coach Resume: Grantham is known for bringing his 3-4 defense from the NFL to several different college programs, and Florida would be his fourth. He worked with Nick Saban at Michigan State in the 90’s and has spent plenty of time in the SEC between Georgia and Mississippi State. He joined Dan Mullen at Florida when he was hired there and may not want to move on so quickly but is a possibility. Alabama co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi talks to the Crimson team during a timeout during the 2017 A-Day game. [Staff Photo/Erin Nelson] Tosh Lupoi Current position: Alabama outside linebackers coach, co-defensive coordinator Salary: $950,000 History: 2015-present – Alabama outside linebackers coach 2014 – Alabama defensive analyst 2012-13 – Washington defensive line coach 2008-11 – Cal defensive line coach Resume: Lupoi has been a rising star on Alabama’s staff since he moved on the field for the 2015 season. Alabama set school records for sacks in 2015, then broke the record in 2016. He’s one of the nation’s best recruiters as well. Lupoi had multiple offers to become a defensive coordinator elsewhere after last season, but instead stayed in Tuscaloosa with a major raise. He’s the youngest candidate on this list by a wide margin but should receive strong consideration. If Saban believes he’s ready, Lupoi might be the easiest transition to make on the list. Kevin Sherrer Current position: Georgia outside linebackers coach Salary: $375,000 History: 2014-present – Georgia outside linebackers coach 2013 – South Alabama defensive coordinator 2010-12 – Alabama director of player development 2005-09 – Hoover High School defensive assistant 2001-04 – Spain Park High School defensive backs coach 1998-00 – Alabama graduate assistant 1996-97 – Tuscaloosa County High defensive assistant Resume: Sherrer is an Alabama alum who has significant ties to the program and the state. He worked with Saban as an off-field staffer and has gained experience elsewhere in the last five seasons at Georgia and South Alabama. He’s never been a defensive coordinator at this level, but neither had Pruitt or Kirby Smart when Saban elevated them to the position. A promotion to defensive coordinator would mean a huge raise for Sherrer. Alabama football players take part in a practice session under the watch of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele in 2008. (Dan Lopez/ The Tuscaloosa News) Kevin Steele Current position: Auburn defensive coordinator Salary: $1.1 million History: 2016-present – Auburn defensive coordinator 2015 – LSU defensive coordinator/linebackers coach 2014 – Alabama inside linebackers coach 2013 – Alabama directory of player personnel 2009-11 – Clemson defensive coordinator/linebackers coach 2008 – Alabama inside linebackers coach 2007 – Alabama defensive coordinator 2003-06 – Florida State linebackers coach 1999-02 – Baylor head coach 1995-98 – Carolina Panthers linebackers coach 1989-94 – Nebraska linebackers coach 1987-88 – Tennessee defensive backs coach 1984-86 – Oklahoma State linebackers/tight ends coach 1983 – New Mexico State linebackers coach 1982 – Tennessee outside linebackers coach 1980-81 – Tennessee graduate assistant 1980 – Tennessee student assistant Resume: Saban has hired Steele once before as defensive coordinator and brought him back on staff in 2013. He was also considered a candidate for Tennessee’s head coaching position this offseason. Auburn ranked 10th in the nation in scoring defense this year and seventh last season. He’s a veteran assistant with experience throughout the southeast and a reputation as a strong recruiter. Steele would probably fit well on Alabama’s staff and slide directly into Pruitt’s role as inside linebackers coach. Assistant head coach Mel Tucker works the team on the field during warmups for the 2015 SEC Championship game. Staff Photo | Gary Cosby Jr. Mel Tucker Current position: Georgia defensive coordinator Salary: $900,000 History: 2016-present – Georgia defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach 2015 – Alabama defensive backs coach 2013-14 – Chicago Bears defensive coordinator 2012 – Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator/assistant head coach 2009-11 – Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator (interim head coach in 2011) 2008 – Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator 2005-07 – Cleveland Browns defensive backs coach 2004 – Ohio State co-defensive coordinator 2001-03 – Ohio State defensive backs coach 2000 – LSU defensive backs coach 1999 – Miami (Ohio) defensive backs coach 1998 – Miami (Ohio) graduate assistant Resume: Tucker was well-regarded during his one season in Tuscaloosa and built Georgia into one of the nation’s elite defenses in a short period of time with Kirby Smart. He would be familiar with the defense and many of Alabama’s staffers. He doesn’t have experience as a linebackers coach and the defense already has a defensive backs coach, but the coaching carousel can always turn and change things in the next few weeks to open a spot for him. Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: 2Stater on December 07, 2017, 11:41:59 AM Don't want Grantham, period. I hope he gives Lupoi the opportunity. I think he will make a good DC. JMO, but I think Lupoi will be the guy.
Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: McBaman on December 07, 2017, 11:45:14 AM If I was a betting man, I'd put $$$ on Tosh. If he doesn't get the DC job, he may well be gone and that would be a double loss for the D.
Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: 2Stater on December 07, 2017, 12:23:02 PM If I was a betting man, I'd put $$$ on Tosh. If he doesn't get the DC job, he may well be gone and that would be a double loss for the D. I agree with you McB. Somebody would indeed, snatch him up as a DC. Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: XBAMA on December 07, 2017, 05:03:03 PM someone just told me gene cheezer is at the mal moore center ...
to which I replied .... "to clean the bathrooms ?" Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: ricky023 on December 07, 2017, 08:20:04 PM Well so far CNS has never had a bad DC I don't think. So I will leave it up to him. RTR!
Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: Chechem on December 08, 2017, 05:45:44 AM someone just told me gene cheezer is at the mal moore center ... to which I replied .... "to clean the bathrooms ?" :lol: Apparently he's under consideration. Seriously! :dunno: Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: carl childers on December 08, 2017, 07:30:46 AM I hope it's Tosh. Great coach and recruiter, and he opens up the pipeline to the West Coast for recruits.
Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: ricky023 on December 08, 2017, 08:36:28 AM I hope it's Tosh. Great coach and recruiter, and he opens up the pipeline to the West Coast for recruits. #+ Tosh must be the fan choice from what I have heard and seen so far. I wonder can he develop a scheme though that will carry weight? RTR! Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: hscoach on December 08, 2017, 10:24:04 AM Tosh is listed as the Co-defensive coordinator. If he isn't the choice I think he may leave.
Title: Re: Already listing candidates for DC: Post by: Merk on December 09, 2017, 08:52:14 AM Tosh is listed as the Co-defensive coordinator. If he isn't the choice I think he may leave. My thinking as well. I’ll be very surprised if he’s not the guy. |