Justin Wilcox new defensive coordinator

http://www.jsonline.com/sports...159z1-365557971.html

I know this isn't official yet but it's basically been assumed here in Madison for the last week and now a major Badger writer has published the "likely" thing in the state's biggest newspaper. I'm going to take the leap and assume that this is a done deal.

It would be very disappointing if Chryst wanted Orlando for the job and Orlando passed on a Big Ten defensive coordinator job at his alma mater to stay at Houston. But it should be noted that Houston is currently spending a ton of money on their football program in an attempt to move up into the Big 12. I have to admit that when looking at the resumes I'd rather have Orlando.

When looking at Tibesar's career as a defensive coordinator at the major college level, it seems like his defenses are noted for two things...giving up a ton of points and generating a bunch of turnovers. But he definitely was not coordinating defenses that were loaded with talent. I could be biased because he did have stint with the Chicago Bears (as a linebacker coach) where he was fired after one year...but that seemed like the textbook scapegoating job because he couldn't turn the GM's terrible first round pick into a player (Shea McClellin).

It will be interesting because Tibesar has been a 4-3 guy in the past but the thought is he will continue running Aranda's defense. No rumor yet as to how the coaching responsibilities will be handled for linebackers. Last year Aranda was the defensive coordinator and inside linebacker coach, Tibesar was the outside linebacker coach.

1/17/161:37 PM

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ammoCheese Master

I hope this isn't D. Orlando Ledbetter.

1/17/164:15 PM

PackerJoeMember

There are reports that Justin Wilcox is in the running to be the Wisconsin defensive coordinator. Wilcox has been a defensive coordinator at Boise State, Tennessee, Washington and USC.

http://www.usctrojans.com/spor...n_wilcox_880408.html

Have to admit this guy's resume is pretty mediocre. Had great success at Boise State but has been up and down with the move to SEC and PAC12 football.

He was fired prior to the bowl game against Bucky and in that game USC played a 4-3 defense. But prior to that USC played a 3-4 defense. I checked the base defense history of the last six teams that Wilcox was the defensive coordinator for and here is the breakdown

2015 = USC = 3-4 defense

2014 = USC = 3-4 defense

2013 = Washington = 4-3 defense

2012 = Washington = Nickel (4 down linemen, 2 linebackers)

2011 = Tennessee = 4-3 defense

2010 = Tennessee = 4-3 defense

So he's experienced running both 4 down linemen and 3 down linemen defenses.

I'm not really sure if this guy would be any better than Tibesar based on the resume. I like Orlando better than either of the candidates being discussed now.

Wilcox was a linebacker coach before being a defensive coordinator, so there is always a chance that Bucky will hire him in that role. People might say that's a step down, but at this point there aren't many jobs left and, as we've seen over and over and over, a coaching spot with the Badgers is not a bad stepping stone.

1/20/168:44 AM

CavetoadHuge Member

never heard of either of them, which is no surprise.

I just hope whoever they bring in is close to how good Aranda was...

1/22/169:35 AM

GBFanForLifeLarge Member

http://host.madison.com/wsj/sp...bf-c7123c9e48cf.html

After nearly four weeks of searching, the University of Wisconsin has found a replacement for Dave Aranda.

Former Southern California defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox is finalizing terms to take the same position with the Badgers, according to FootballScoop.

1/27/163:25 PM

PackerJoeMember

Updated the subject line. Still not really sure what to think of this guy. He sure looked like the real deal when he was at Boise State. Also read a note where Tennessee was 28th in total defense during his last season there and then fell to 107th in total defense the following year. But his second season in Washington was a step down from his first season, and he wasn't all that great at USC. Both bad and good on the resume at the major college level. It will be interesting to see if this move works out.

1/27/167:59 PM