The real hire to watch - defensive coordinator

[The Fake Lonnie Finch]

Next year, we return our top eight defenders from this season, and ten of the top 11. Sky Pruitt is the only graduate among the leading tacklers. We did a great job on the road in the second half of the season defensively, giving up only 14 at Troy and 7 and U La-La.

As I stated in another thread, we can regain the Sun Belt title without the offense going full guns yet in 2007. The key will be to either retain Bleil or hire someone in his mold to continue what was becoming a pretty good defensive unit at the end of the season.

If the offense can simply gain some first downs and cut down the turnovers, we give ourselves a chance by not constantly putting the defense in a hole every time they step out on to the field.

If you look at our roster, you'll see we had 35 freshmen, 1 redshirt freshman, and 18 sophomores - well over half the squad. This team has plenty of room to grow and many years to grasp a system. The defense, however, is far ahead of the offense as far as I can see, and keeping it together should be the focus of the defensive coordinator decision.

Edited December 13, 2006 by The Fake Lonnie Finch

[greenminer]

Completely agree. As excited as I am about the new HC, I can't wait to see who the assistants will be.

I still suffer from missing DeLoach. I know he's moved on to better places, but it's okay to reminisce, right?

-gm

[Harry]

Solid post I agree 100%. A strong defense will give Coach Dodge time to work out the kinks in the offense. I wonder if Bliel is being consideration.

[GoMeanGreen1999]

Scottie said that Dodge is bringing his DC with him. Don't know how Bliel will fit in with him, but I do believe Dodge will keep at least one coach on, if not a few.

[THOR]

is it smart to bring a bunch of other high school coaches with him?

[GoMeanGreen1999]

is it smart to bring a bunch of other high school coaches with him?

←

Is 2 a bunch? I don't know how many to bring, but I have heard he is only bringing two with him, but I have been wrong before. Anyone else know?

[The Fake Lonnie Finch]

Is 2 a bunch?  I don't know how many to bring, but I have heard he is only bringing two with him, but I have been wrong before.  Anyone else know?

←

He didn't say last night in the press conference.

[Keith7]

You've got to be kidding me, the defense made me sick last season, they seemed to have trouble running zone in the passing game, there were always gaping holes in the secondary... Also i'm not sure the exact number, but NT had few 3 and outs. sure u may consider them a "bend but don't break" defense because they gave up few points, but having your defense on the field that much just wears them down, and allows the other team to gain momentum and field position.. No doubt bringing back eight guys with experience is goin to help us though, the defense will be much better next season no matter who is running the ship

Edited December 13, 2006 by Keith7

[The Fake Lonnie Finch]

That's why I mentioned that the offense only needs to move the ball more and not turn it over. We're making the same point.

Edited December 13, 2006 by The Fake Lonnie Finch

[Cr1028]

For once I actually agree with Fake Lonnie. I think Bleil should stick around, they played a great game against Tulsa until Dickey broke their spirit.

[ntmeangreen11]

Just read on another message board that Dodge will be hiring Haltom head coach Clayton George who played reciever here @ UNT under Dodge, and used to be an assistant coach @ SLC.

Keep in mind, he's not a defensive guy, probably offensive assistant, but there's one he'll bring in to add to the topic.

[Texas Stranger]

I'm pretty sure I saw where DeLoach applied for HC at SFA also. Hopefully he's thinking about coming back to the Lone Star State.

[NT03]

I'm pretty sure I saw where DeLoach applied for HC at SFA also.  Hopefully he's thinking about coming back to the Lone Star State.

←

Second That!!!

Yes he did along with DD and RF.

If he was willing to leave UCLA ( for those who have never been , the NICEST overall campus Ive ever seen ) for Nacadumpass , then Im sure he really wants to get back to TEXAS. Im sure the salary for head coach at SFA couldnt be too far off from the head DC here.

The New DD = Dodge & DeLoach

Edited December 14, 2006 by NT03

[MeanGreenBuzz]

If Dodge keeps anyone from the current staff it will be Bliel and Evans.

[SilverEagle]

If Dodge keeps anyone from the current staff it will be Bliel and Evans.

←

I certainly hope so.

[chrisfisher]

I certainly hope so.

←

Is Evans worth keeping? I lost respect for him when he head coached one game (forget who it was against) this season and did a "K8MITB" style performance. What really irked me was that during the Mean Green Insider interview concerning this game, he said with a silly smirk on his face, "we got out coached." UUUUGGGGHH.

[meangreendork]

Don't be so hard on Bleil- it's not his fault that the D stays out in a game for 3/4 of it. It doesn't matter who you are, even an NFL player gets winded if they're on the field for 3/4 of an entire game.

[NT03]

Next year, we return our top eight defenders from this season, and ten of the top 11. Sky Pruitt is the only graduate among the leading tacklers. We did a great job on the road in the second half of the season defensively, giving up only 14 at Troy and 7 and U La-La.

As I stated in another thread, we can regain the Sun Belt title without the offense going full guns yet in 2007. The key will be to either retain Bleil or hire someone in his mold to continue what was becoming a pretty good defensive unit at the end of the season.

If the offense can simply gain some first downs and cut down the turnovers, we give ourselves a chance by not constantly putting the defense in a hole every time they step out on to the field.

If you look at our roster, you'll see we had 35 freshmen, 1 redshirt freshman, and 18 sophomores - well over half the squad. This team has plenty of room to grow and many years to grasp a system. The defense, however, is far ahead of the offense as far as I can see, and keeping it together should be the focus of the defensive coordinator decision.

Bump

[FirefightnRick]

You've got to be kidding me, the defense made me sick last season, they seemed to have trouble running zone in the passing game, there were always gaping holes in the secondary... Also i'm not sure the exact number, but NT had few 3 and outs. sure u may consider them a "bend but don't break" defense because they gave up few points, but having your defense on the field that much just wears them down, and allows the other team to gain momentum and field position.. No doubt bringing back eight guys with experience is goin to help us though, the defense will be much better next season no matter who is running the ship

I'm willing to bet Keith7 has an updated version of "sick".

Scary insight by TFLF.

Good find '03.

Rick

[GoMeanGreen1999]

I'm willing to bet Keith7 has an updated version of "sick".

Scary insight by TFLF.

He does make some good points.

[greenminer]

He does make some good points.

I wonder how sick he is this time around?

[SilverEagle]

I wonder how sick he is this time around?

I don't know about him, but I'm pretty sick about it.

[pollock]

Jeez. How could something so obvious to a bunch of message board spares be out of the comprehension of someone who coaches for a living?

Depressing.

[SilverEagle]

Jeez. How could something so obvious to a bunch of message board spares be out of the comprehension of someone who coaches for a living?

Depressing.

Spares?.....Hey Now!

[UNT_playmaker]

When first reading this I saw that Bliel was being considered for the job and thought Mendoza was fired during the break.....

All assistant positions on our football team are important and require immediate attention when a problem is present. That has not happened yet.